Kirsty Supports Scope Cymru in calling for a Made in Wales Solution (Kirsty Williams AM )

Cymraeg
English

Kirsty Williams AM <info@kirstywilliams.org.uk>

Kirsty Supports Scope Cymru in calling for a Made in Wales Solution

April 2, 2009 12:00 AM

Kirsty is pictured with Suzanne Jones, Director of Scope in Wales, and Lizzie Duncan

On Wednesday 1st April, Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon & Radnorshire gave her support to a campaign to expand Further Education provision in Wales for disabled students with complex impairments. Scope Cymru visited the National Assembly with young people and their parents, teachers and carers to call for a "Made in Wales" solution during a debate organised by the Welsh Liberal Democrats and held on the floor of the National Assembly, in support of a petition presented to the Assembly by Scope.

Suzanne Jones, Director of Scope Cymru, explained:

"There is currently a significant group of young people with complex impairments who want further education who cannot get their education in Wales and have to attend a specialist college in England, if they are lucky enough to get a place. Each place can cost up to £94,000 per student. We are worried that changes to the funding regime in England may mean that in future fewer places will be available.

"Scope Cymru thinks it's time for a Made in Wales solution that enables more students to find further education in Wales without having to look for residential places across the border.

Responding to the debate on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government, Education Minister AM gave an assurance that she would look closely at the issue and had already asked her officials to consider innovative plans so that more students with disabilities could receive their education in Wales.

Kirsty said: "I was delighted to be able to sponsor the event and that the Welsh Lib Dems were able to table the debate. It was great to meet campaigners from across Wales who had travelled to the Assembly to make their case. I am happy to support Scope in their work to ensure we increase Further Education provision for disabled young people with complex needs.

"I and my party will continue to lobby the Welsh Government to ensure that they put the promises they made into action."

Suzanne Jones added:

"We are grateful to Kirsty Williams AM for supporting our campaign and helping us to speak up for a group of young people that society often forgets."

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Scope is a UK disability organisation whose focus is people with cerebral palsy (cp). One in 400 children born in the UK has cp. Scope Cymru is Scope in Wales. Scope Cymru's vision is that disabled people achieve equality.

Scope Cymru wants high-quality education and support for all children and young people with cerebral palsy and additional needs. Their inclusion teams work to support disabled children in mainstream settings, and their special schools support children with multiple and complex additional support needs to achieve their full potential both at school and in the wider community.

The petition lodged by Scope Cymru with the National Assembly for Wales can be found here:

P-03-203 - Scope Cymru - Further education for young people with complex impairments

http://www.assemblywales.org/gethome/e-petitions-old/admissible-pet/p-03-203.htm