South Wales East AM Jocelyn Davies has backed a campaign by the British Heart Foundation to include life-saving first aid skills on the national curriculum
The Newbridge-based Plaid Cymru politician raised the issue with Welsh Education Minister Leighton Andrews in the Senedd last Wednesday.
In his response he said: “I have received some 15 pieces of correspondence from Members in respect of this campaign. I understand the foundation’s desire for emergency life support skills to be included as a compulsory component of the curriculum.
“At present, personal and social education, as delivered in all maintained schools in Wales, provides opportunities to develop the skills needed for everyday life, including life-saving skills. However, the delivery of the curriculum is delegated to schools, and decisions on the precise content of their PSE programme lie with them.”
Speaking afterwards, Ms Davies spoke of her disappointment at the Minister’s answer.
She said: “I think the British Heart Foundation’s idea is an excellent one. Ensuring all Welsh school children have these vital life skills should be a priority for the Welsh Government.
“Rather than each individual school having varying approaches, I believe it makes sense for minimum expectations to be set in the national curriculum. Let’s be in no doubt, such skills will help save lives, there can be few skills more important than these. I am disappointed with the Minister’s response but hope he’ll reconsider.”