[null, null, {"document_url": "http://plaid4maldwyn.blogspot.com/2007/01/more-help-urgently-needed-for-children.html", "unformatted_src": "//photos1.blogger.com/blogger/422/2729/1600/DT.jpg", "src": "http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/422/2729/1600/DT.jpg", "formatted_filename": "DT", "alt_text": "My photo", "rendered_width": 53, "rendered_height": 80}, null, null, null]



More funding is desperately needed for pupils in Powys who speak neither English nor Welsh.

In the past 2 years the number of pupils requiring EAL (English as an Additional Language) support in Powys has risen by over 150% from 82 in January 2005 to over 200 in January 2007. In addition these pupils are spread through 46 schools in the county so it is difficult to concentrate the help which they need.

I am calling on the Labour Assembly Government to not only increase the funding for EAL to Powys but to do so now, not a year later as is the usual custom, as the money needs to be spent straightaway to help these children integrate into our excellent school in Powys. It seems unfair that Powys has to raid other budgets for 12 months to meet what is a current pressing need and has to wait for a year to be reimbursed by the Assembly.
Posted by David Thomas at 4:03 PM