Financial education has been embedded in the school curriculum in Wales since 2008. It features in the statutory mathematics programme of study and the national literacy and numeracy framework. We have also asked Estyn to review the quality of schools’ financial education provision to inform development of our new curriculum.

Estyn has judged those local authorities recently removed from special measures to have made sufficient progress, and previous ministerial interventions have come to an end. My officials continue to work closely with the Welsh Local Government Association and the authorities to consider how best to ensure that improvements continue and are sustainable.

Mae’r cwricwlwm cenedlaethol presennol yn cefnogi’r gwaith o addysgu dinasyddiaeth ac yn cynnig cyfleoedd sy’n paratoi dysgwyr i fyw fel dinasyddion byd-eang. Yn benodol, mae dinasyddiaeth yn rhan o faes addysg bersonol a chymdeithasol ac mae hefyd yn cael ei chyflwyno drwy gymhwyster newydd bagloriaeth Cymru a gyflwynwyd i’w haddysgu am y tro cyntaf fis Medi diwethaf.

The development of critical thinking skills is an essential element within our current school curriculum. We will also ensure that skills such as critical thinking and problem solving are embedded within the six areas of learning and experience in the new curriculum for Wales.

Whilst there is no definitive view on the optimum size, I am considering options for the reduction of the largest infant classes, in order to respond to the concerns of parents and teachers.

I have always been very clear that it is totally unacceptable for a child’s future to be determined by their background or personal circumstances, and not their own abilities.

My priorities for education, agreed with the First Minister, were set out in his published letter of 15 June. These priorities cover all areas of Wales equally. The funding of my priorities will form part of the 2017-18 budget considerations.