Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025

Prospective

PART 4 E+W PLANNING WELSH LANGUAGE EDUCATION AND LEARNING WELSH

National Framework E+W

24 National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh E+W

(1) The Welsh Ministers must prepare a framework (the “National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh”), that sets out how the Welsh Ministers will implement the Welsh language strategy’s proposals in relation to—

(a) Welsh language education,

(b) Welsh language provision in tertiary education,

(c) lifelong Welsh language learning, and

(d) acquiring the Welsh language.

(2) In this Part references to the “Welsh language strategy” are to the strategy on promoting and facilitating the use of Welsh adopted by the Welsh Ministers in accordance with section 78 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32) (and see section 1 on what the strategy must contain).

(3) The National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh must, in particular, set out the steps the Welsh Ministers will take to promote and facilitate the use of Welsh by—

(a) increasing the‍ amount of Welsh language education provided;

(b) improving the provision of Welsh language educatio‍n;

(c) promoting Welsh language education in “Primarily Welsh Language‍” category schools,‍ in order to increase the number of pupils attending those schools;‍

(d) encouraging continuity in teaching Welsh and education through the medium of Welsh between—

(i) nursery education and education for pupils of compulsory school age,

(ii) maintained primary schools and maintained secondary schools, and

(iii) education for pupils of compulsory school age and tertiary education.

(4) The National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh must, in particular, set out the steps the Welsh Ministers will take to provide opportunities for persons of all ages in Wales to learn Welsh and to maintain and improve their Welsh language ability and usage, including (but not limited to)—

(a) through childcare to those under compulsory school age;

(b) through nursery education;

(c) through tertiary education;

(d) in the workplace and in the community.

(5) The National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh must also set targets on local authorities that reflect any national target in the Welsh language strategy set under section 1(1)(c).

(6) The National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh must include—

(a) an assessment of the Welsh language education provided at the tim‍e in each local authority;

(b) an analysis of the amount of Welsh language education neede‍d in each local authority in order to meet any target set.‍

(7) The National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh may set further targets to be met by local authorities for the purpose of implementing the National Framework in each local authority area.

(8) The National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh may also set targets on the National Institute for Learning Welsh (see Part 5) that reflect any target in the Welsh language strategy that relates to supporting people to learn Welsh and facilitating their progress, including targets to—

(a) increase the number of people over compulsory school age who are learning Welsh;

(b) improve ability in Welsh amongst people over compulsory school age who are learning Welsh (by reference to the Code prepared by the Welsh Ministers under section 6).

(9) The National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh may make different provision for different purposes, for different cases, or for different local authorities.

(10) The Welsh Ministers may, by regulations, amend subsections (3) to (8) to amend what is required or permitted to be included in the National Framework.

(11) In subsection (1)(b) “Welsh language provision in tertiary education” means—

(a) teaching Welsh in tertiary education in Wales, and

(b) tertiary education through the medium of Welsh in Wales.

Commencement Information

I1 S. 24 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 56(4)(5)

25 National Framework: further provision on the education workforce E+W

(1) The National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh must set out the steps the Welsh Ministers will take to ensure that training, professional development and support is available for education practitioners in Wales for the purposes of improving ability in Welsh (by reference to the Code prepared by the Welsh Ministers under section 6).

(2) The National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh must also—

(a) include an assessment of the number of education practitioners needed in each local authority in order to meet any target set under section 24(5) and (7), and

(b) set out the steps the Welsh Ministers will take, based on that assessment, for the purposes of ensuring that the number of education practitioners working in Wales meets the need‍.

Commencement Information

I2 S. 25 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 56(4)(5)

26 Implementing the National Framework E+W

(1) The Welsh Ministers must take all reasonable steps to implement the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh.

(2) Each local authority must—

(a) take all reasonable steps to meet targets set by the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh in relation to its area;

(b) at the request of the Welsh Ministers, provide any information required by the Welsh Ministers—

(i) to enable them to carry out what is required under section 24(6) and section 25(2)(a);

(ii) to set‍ targets under section 24(5), or section 24(7).

Commencement Information

I3 S. 26 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 56(4)(5)

27 National Framework: further provision about content, review and amendment E+W

(1) In preparing or amending the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh, the Welsh Ministers must set out the steps they intend to take, in accordance with section 24(3) and (4)‍ and section 25, over periods of 10 years.

(2) The Welsh Ministers must, before the end of each period of 5 years, review and amend the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh to update those steps.

(3) The Welsh Ministers must also, before the end of each period of 5 years, review the targets set by the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh in accordance with section 24(5) and (8) and set new targets if they consider it necessary.

(4) The Welsh Ministers may from time to time—

(a) amend the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh, including amending it to—

(i) modify an existing step without changing the period to which it applies;

(ii) add a step they intend to take during the remainder of the period to which the other steps in the National Framework apply;

(iii) remove a step;

(b) prepare a new National Framework (and the requirements of subsections (2) and (3) may be complied with by doing so).

(5) Where the Welsh Ministers amend the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh, sections 26, and 28(1) and (2) apply as they apply to the preparation of the National Framework.

(6) In respect of the period of 5 years in subsections (2) and (3)—

(a) the first period starts on the day that the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh is laid before Senedd Cymru for the first time, and

(b) each subsequent period starts on the day after the day the previous period of 5 years comes to an end.

(7) Subsection (6) applies to a new National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh as it applies to the first National Framework.

Commencement Information

I4 S. 27 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 56(4)(5)

28 Consultation and publication of the National Framework E+W

(1) In preparin‍g the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh, the Welsh Ministers must consult the following—

(a) each local authority;

(b) the National Institute for Learning Welsh (see Part 5);

(c) the Welsh Language Commissioner;

(d) His Majesty’s Chief Inspector for Education and Training in Wales;

(e) the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research;

(f) y Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (company number 07550507);

(g) any other persons they consider appropriate.

(2) The Welsh Ministers must—

(a) publish the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh;

(b) lay the National Framework before Senedd Cymru.

(3) The Welsh Ministers must lay the first National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh before Senedd Cymru under subsection (2)(b) before 31 July 2028.

Commencement Information

I5 S. 28 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 56(4)(5)

29 Reporting on the National Framework E+W

(1) The annual report published by the Welsh Ministers under section 78(8) of the Government of Wales Act 2006 must include information about the implementation of the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh.

(2) The annual plan published by the Welsh Ministers under section 78(9) of the Government of Wales Act 2006 must set out how they will implement the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh.

Commencement Information

I6 S. 29 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 56(4)(5)

Local plans E+W

30 Local Welsh in education strategic plans E+W

(1) Each local authority must prepare a plan (“a local Welsh in education strategic plan”) that sets out how the local authority will—

(a) promote and facilitate, in its area—

(i) Welsh language education, and

(ii) use of Welsh in schools;

(b) fulfil the duty imposed upon it under section 26(2)(a) (to take all reasonable steps to meet the targets set by the Welsh Ministers in the National Framework on Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh).

(2) A local Welsh in education strategic plan must also, to the extent that regulations made by the Welsh Ministers so require, set out how the local authority will exercise its education functions to promote and facilitate—

(a) teaching Welsh, and

(b) education and training through the medium of Welsh,

in relation to children of compulsory school age who are not pupils in schools.

(3) A local Welsh in education strategic plan must, in particular, set out the steps the local authority will take—

(a) to exercise its education functions—

(i) to improve provision of Welsh language education‍ in its area,

(ii) to improve the process of planning the provision of Welsh language education in its area,

(iii) to increase the number of pupils of compulsory school age receiving education in “Primarily Welsh language “category schools in its area,

(iv) to increase the number of “Primarily Welsh Language” category schools in its area, and

(v) to ensure that it has sufficient education practitioners working in its area,

for the purpose of meeting targets it has been set by virtue of section 24(5);

(b) to promote and provide information about the Welsh language education provided in “Primarily Welsh Language” category schools in its area;

(c) to meet its duties under section 23 in respect of late immersion education in its area;

(d) to facilitate‍ continuity in teaching Welsh and education through the medium of Welsh between—

(i) nursery education and education for pupils of compulsory school age,

(ii) maintained primary schools and maintained secondary schools,

(iii) education for pupils of compulsory school age and tertiary education.

(4) A local Welsh in education strategic plan must also include—

(a) information on the education practitioners working in the local authority’s area;

(b) a report on progress made in relation to the previous plan (in the case of each plan other than the first).

(5) In preparing its local Welsh in education strategic plan, the local authority must—

(a) have regard to the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh;

(b) consult on a draft of the plan with the following—

(i) its neighbouring local authorities;

(ii) the head teacher of every school and the head teacher of every maintained nursery school it maintains;

(iii) the governing body of every school and the governing body of every maintained nursery school it maintains;

(iv) the principal of every further education institution in its area;

(v) in relation to any foundation or voluntary school in its area, the person who appoints the‍ foundation governors, and if the school is a school with a religious character, the appropriate religious body;

(vi) His Majesty’s Chief Inspector for Education and Training in Wales;

(vii) the National Institute for Learning Welsh;

(viii) the Welsh Language Commissioner;

(ix) the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research;

(x) Mudiad Meithrin Cyf (company number 02164058);

(xi) persons specified in regulations made by the Welsh Ministers.

Commencement Information

I7 S. 30 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 56(4)(5)

31 Period of local Welsh in education strategic plans E+W

(1) Each local Welsh in education strategic plan has effect for a period of 5 years, where—

(a) the first period of 5 years starts on a date specified by the Welsh Ministers by regulations, and

(b) each subsequent period of 5 years starts on the day after the previous period of 5 years comes to an end.

(2) But each local Welsh in education strategic plan must set out the steps a local authority intends to take in accordance with section 30(3) over a period of 10 years.

Commencement Information

I8 S. 31 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 56(4)(5)

32 Approval of local Welsh in education strategic plans E+W

(1) A local authority must submit a draft of its local Welsh in education strategic plan to the Welsh Ministers.

(2) When submitting the draft local Welsh in education strategic plan, the local authority must provide a summary of the responses to the consultation undertaken under section 30(5)(b), and the local authority’s response to that consultation.

(3) In relation to a draft local Welsh in education strategic plan submitted under subsection (1), the Welsh Ministers may—

(a) approve the plan,

(b) approve the plan with modifications agreed with the local authority, or

(c) reject the plan and give a direction to the local authority to reconsider the plan.

(4) If the Welsh Ministers reject a draft local Welsh in education strategic plan submitted under subsection (1), the direction must—

(a) give reasons for the decision;

(b) specify by when the local authority is required to submit a further draft of the plan to the Welsh Ministers.

(5) Subsections (3) and (4) apply to a further draft as they apply to a draft submitted under subsection (1).

Commencement Information

I9 S. 32 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 56(4)(5)

33 Publication and implementation of local Welsh in education strategic plans E+W

(1) A local authority must, as soon as practicable after its local Welsh in education strategic plan has been approved, publish it and send it to—

(a) the governing body of every‍ school and the governing body of every maintained nursery school it maintains;

(b) to the principal of every further education institution in its area;

(c) in relation to any foundation or voluntary school in its area—

(i) the person who appoints the‍ foundation governors, and

(ii) if the school is a school with a religious character, the appropriate religious body.

(2) A local authority must take all reasonable steps to implement its approved local Welsh in education strategic plan.

Commencement Information

I10 S. 33 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 56(4)(5)

34 Review and amendment of local Welsh in education strategic plans E+W

(1) A local authority must keep its local Welsh in education strategic plan under review, and if it considers it appropriate, amend it.

(2) Subsection (3) applies if the Welsh Ministers consider—

(a) that a local authority is unlikely to meet a target that applies to it in the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh, and

(b) that the local authority’s local Welsh in education strategic plan needs to be amended accordingly.

(3) Where this subsection applies, the Welsh Ministers may give a direction to a local authority—

(a) setting out that they consider that the local authority is unlikely to meet a target that applies to it in the National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh;

(b) requiring it to consider amending its local Welsh in education strategic plan.

(4) Where a local authority receives a direction under subsection (3) but decides not to amend its local Welsh in education strategic plan, the local authority must give reasons to the Welsh Ministers for not doing so.

(5) Where a local authority decides to amend its local Welsh in education strategic plan under subsection (1) or in response to a direction under subsection (3), it must submit an amended plan to the Welsh Ministers in draft form.

(6) Sections 30 to 33 and the remainder of this section apply to the amended plan as they apply to the original plan.

Commencement Information

I11 S. 34 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 56(4)(5)

35 Regulations E+W

(1) The Welsh Ministers may, by regulations, make further provision in relation to local Welsh in education strategic plans, including but not limited to provision about the following—

(a) the form and content of a plan;

(b) timing in relation to the preparation of a plan;

(c) the process of consultation when preparing a draft plan;

(d) the procedure for approval of a plan;

(e) how and when to publish a plan;

(f) reporting on the implementation of the plan.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may also make provision enabling two or more local authorities to produce a joint local Welsh in education strategic plan, and any such regulations may make provision to apply sections 30 to 34 with modifications for that purpose.

Commencement Information

I12 S. 35 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 56(4)(5)

36 Amendments to the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 E+W

(1) The School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 1) is amended as follows.

(2) Omit Part 4 (Welsh Language in Education Strategic Plans).

(3) In section 1 (overview) omit subsections (13) and (14).

Commencement Information

I13 S. 36 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 56(4)(5)

General E+W

37 Interpretation E+W

In this Part—

(a) “Welsh language education” means—

(i) teaching Welsh, and

(ii) education and training through the medium of Welsh,

in a school, during school sessions, to pupils of compulsory school age;

(b) references to a “school‍” are to a maintained school that has pupils of compulsory school age;

(c) “nursery education” means full-time or part-time education suitable for children who have not attained compulsory school age (whether provided at schools or elsewhere);

(d) “childcare” means any form of supervised care or activity for a child, other than—

(i) care provided for a child by a parent, relative or foster parent of the child,

(ii) education (or any other supervised activity) provided by a school during school hours for a registered pupil, or

(iii) any form of health care for a child;

(e) references to “Primarily Welsh Language”, “Dual Language” and “Primarily English Language, partly Welsh” language categories are to be read in accordance with Part 3;

(f) an “education practitioner” means—

(i) a school teacher within the meaning given by section 122 of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32), and

(ii) a school learning support worker within the meaning given by Schedule 2 to the Education (Wales) Act 2014 (anaw 5);

(g) “foundation governor”, in relation to a foundation school or a voluntary school, means a person appointed as a foundation governor in accordance with regulations under section 19 of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32).

Commencement Information

I14 S. 37 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 56(4)(5)