Commentary on Sections Part 4 – Planning Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh.National Framework Section 24 - National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh
106.This section places a duty on the Welsh Ministers to prepare a National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh which covers the education provided to pupils of compulsory school age and also lifelong Welsh language learning.
107.The Welsh Ministers must adopt a strategy on promoting and facilitating the use of the Welsh language under section 78 of the Government of Wales Act 2006, and the strategy must include the targets set out in section 1(1). The National Framework is required to set out how the Welsh Ministers will implement the Welsh language strategy in the context of Welsh language education, Welsh language provision in tertiary education and in the context of acquiring and lifelong learning of the Welsh language.
108.Section 24(3) to (6) contains requirements as to what Welsh Ministers must include in a National Framework. This includes:
109.The steps set out in section 24(3) are intended to be considered alongside action at county level by local authorities and at a local level in schools. The table below elaborates on the specific requirements in relation to Welsh language education in schools, and their interconnection with other provisions:
110.In addition to the targets set by the National Framework under section 24(5), section 24(7) enables the Framework to set further targets on local authorities for the purpose of implementing the Framework.
111.The Welsh Ministers also have the power, in accordance with section 24(8), to set targets on the National Institute for Learning Welsh for the purpose of facilitating the achievement of national targets (contained in the Welsh language strategy) relating to supporting people to learn Welsh and facilitating their progress.
112.In addition, section 24(9) allows flexibility in making provisions in the National Framework. As one example the National Framework could set different targets, in accordance with section 24(5), for different local authorities.
113.Section 24(10) enables Welsh Ministers, by regulations, to amend sections 24(3) to (8) in relation to the content of the National Framework.