Agenda and minutes

1.1 The Chair welcomed Members to the virtual meeting of the Children, Young People and Education Committee.

1.2 In accordance with Standing Order 34.19, the Chair stated that she had determined that the public were excluded from the Committee’s meeting in order to protect public health but that the meeting would be broadcast live on www.senedd.tv

1.3 The Chair stated that if for any reason she dropped out of the meeting, the Committee agreed that Dawn Bowden MS would become Temporary Chair in accordance with Standing Order 17.22.

1.4 There were no apologies.

Sally Holland, Children’s Commissioner for Wales

Rachel Thomas, Head of Policy and Public Affairs – Office of the Children’s Commissioner for Wales

2.1  The Committee heard evidence from the Children Commissioner for Wales on matters relating to the impact of COVID-19 on children and young people.

Cllr Ian Roberts, Leader of Flintshire County Council and Education Spokesperson for the Welsh Local Government Association

Cllr Ellen Ap Gwynn, Leader of Ceredigion County Council and Deputy Education Spokesperson and Welsh Language for the Welsh Local Government Association

Cllr Philippa Marsden, Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council and Workforce Spokesperson for the Welsh Local Government Association

Cllr Huw David, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council and Health and Social Care Spokesperson for the Welsh Local Government Association

Sharon Davies, Head of Education for the Welsh Local Government Association

3.1 The Committee heard evidence from local government representatives on matters relating to the impact of COVID-19 on children and young people.

3.2 Due to a lack of time, it was agreed that questions not reached would be sent to the witnesses for a written response.

4.1 The paper was noted.

5.1 The motion was agreed.

6.1 The Committee considered the evidence it heard in the previous sessions.

6.2 The Committee agreed to write to the Minister for Education and the Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services to follow-up on some of the issues raised during the sessions.

7.1 The Committee discussed the draft report. To meet the reporting deadline of Tuesday 2 February 202 Members agreed to consider final amendments and agree the report electronically.