Welsh  Education Minister Jane Hutt has assured Newport West AM, Rosemary Butler, that schools in Newport needn't worry about the future of the Foundation Phase when the present funding arrangements finish this autumn.

The scheme  was devised in Wales during Mrs Butler's period as Education Minister, as a new approach to learning for children aged 3 – 7, through play, active involvement and practical activities .

Mrs Butler  told the Minister that school governors in Newport who had been involved in pilot schemes had been very supportive.The introduction of the scheme was regarded as the "Jewel in the Crown" of local education.

"However I have been approached by a number of school governors who are concerned about the formula for funding the Foundation Phase for the new academic term. I wonder if you will give an assurance that there will be enough money for the Foundation Phase for children in Newport?"

The Minister agreed that there had been a very positive response to  pilot schemes in Newport. The programme would be rolled out more widely in Wales between now and 2010. As for worries about the future she said that new money was being allocated throughout Wales over the next three years.

"I do want to assure colleagues that we are addressing this. Over £107m has been allocated to the Foundation Phase - that's £107m in extra funding, specific funding, funding for the whole of Wales.

"It was distributed according to a funding formula agreed by both the Association of Directors of Education and the Welsh Local Government Association.

"I and my officials are working this week and next week with all the local authorities to look at issues. Of course it's a new programme and inevitably there are bound to be teething troubles, so we're working at the forefront with them."

Mrs Butler said later that she was relieved about the new funding programme, and she hoped that the Foundation Phase would now go from strength to strength.

Wednesday April 16, 2008