LegalizeReform history
Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025
5 versions
· 2025-07-07
2027-08-01
Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025
2026-04-01
Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025
2025-09-07
Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025
2025-07-08
Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025
Changes on 2025-07-08
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@
- (3) The Code may also include anything else related to describing ability in Welsh.
#### Publishing and reviewing the Code
#### Overview and interpretation
##### 7
@@ -1780,316 +1780,316 @@
- (b) any defect in the appointment of a member.
#### Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32)
##### 12
If the Learning Welsh Institute has a seal, it must be verified by the signature of—
- (a) a member of the Learning Welsh Institute authorised for that purpose, or
- (b) a member of the Learning Welsh Institute’s staff authorised for that purpose.
#### Evidence
##### 13
A document purporting to be duly executed under the seal of the Learning Welsh Institute or to be signed on behalf of the Learning Welsh Institute is to be received in evidence and, unless the contrary is proved, taken to be so executed or signed.
## PART 6 — FINANCIAL MATTERS
#### Finance
##### 14
The Welsh Ministers may make payments by grant or loan to the Learning Welsh Institute of such amounts, and at such times, and on such conditions as the Welsh Ministers determine.
#### Accounting officer
##### 15
- (1) The chief executive of the Learning Welsh Institute is its accounting officer.
- (2) If the chief executive is unable to discharge the responsibilities as accounting officer, the Learning Welsh Institute must nominate a member of its staff to be the accounting officer for as long as the chief executive is unable to discharge the responsibilities.
- (3) If the office of chief executive is vacant, the Learning Welsh Institute must nominate a member of its staff to be the accounting officer for as long as the office of chief executive remains vacant.
- (4) The accounting officer has, in relation to the accounts and finances of the Learning Welsh Institute, the responsibilities specified for the time being by the Welsh Ministers.
- (5) The responsibilities that may be specified under this paragraph include (among other things)—
- (a) responsibilities in relation to the signing of the accounts;
- (b) responsibilities for the appropriateness and regularity of the finances of the Learning Welsh Institute;
- (c) responsibilities for the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the use of the Learning Welsh Institute’s resources;
- (d) responsibilities owed to the Welsh Ministers, Senedd Cymru or its Public Accounts Committee.
#### Accounts
##### 16
- (1) The Learning Welsh Institute must—
- (a) keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to them, and
- (b) prepare a statement of accounts for each financial year.
- (2) Each statement of accounts must comply with any direction given by the Welsh Ministers as to—
- (a) the information to be included in the statement;
- (b) the manner in which the information is to be presented;
- (c) the methods and principles according to which the statement is to be prepared;
- (d) additional information that is to accompany the statement.
- (3) No later than 31 August after the end of each financial year, the Learning Welsh Institute must submit its statement of accounts for that financial year to—
- (a) the Auditor General for Wales, and
- (b) the Welsh Ministers.
#### Audit
##### 17
- (1) This paragraph applies in relation to each statement of accounts submitted to the Auditor General for Wales by the Learning Welsh Institute under paragraph 16(3)(a).
- (2) The Auditor General for Wales must—
- (a) examine, certify and report on the statement of accounts;
- (b) provide a copy of the certified statement of accounts and report to the Learning Welsh Institute.
- (3) The Auditor General for Wales must, before the end of the period of 4 months beginning with the day the statement of accounts is submitted (“the 4-month period”), lay before Senedd Cymru—
- (a) a copy of the certified statement of accounts and report, or
- (b) if it is not reasonably practicable to comply with paragraph (a), a statement to that effect.
- (4) Where a statement is laid under sub-paragraph (3)(b), the Auditor General must lay before Senedd Cymru a copy of the certified statement of accounts and report as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the 4-month period.
- (5) In complying with sub-paragraph (2), the Auditor General for Wales must examine and report on whether, in the opinion of the Auditor General, the expenditure to which the accounts relate has been incurred lawfully and in accordance with the authority governing that expenditure.
#### Examination into use of resources
##### 18
- (1) The Auditor General for Wales may carry out examinations into the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which resources have been used in discharging the Learning Welsh Institute’s functions.
- (2) But that does not entitle the Auditor General for Wales to question the merits of the Learning Welsh Institute’s policy objectives.
- (3) Before carrying out an examination the Auditor General for Wales must—
- (a) consult Senedd Cymru, and
- (b) take into account the views of Senedd Cymru as to whether or not an examination should be carried out.
- (4) The Auditor General for Wales must—
- (a) as soon as is reasonably practicable, publish a report of the results of an examination carried out under this paragraph, and
- (b) lay a copy of the report before Senedd Cymru.
#### Register of interests
##### 19
- (1) The Learning Welsh Institute must establish and maintain a register of the interests of its members.
- (2) The Learning Welsh Institute must publish entries recorded in the members’ register of interests.
#### Supplementary powers
##### 20
- (1) The Learning Welsh Institute may do anything it considers—
- (a) appropriate for the purposes of, or in connection with, its functions, or
- (b) incidental or conducive to the exercise of those functions.
- (2) The Learning Welsh Institute may (among other things)—
- (a) acquire or dispose of land or other property;
- (b) enter into contracts;
- (c) invest sums;
- (d) accept gifts of money, land or other property.
- (3) But the Learning Welsh Institute may not borrow money without the approval of the Welsh Ministers.
## PART 7 — CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENT
#### Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32)
##### 21
In section 148 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (meaning of “*Welsh public records*”), in subsection (2), after paragraph (k), insert—
> (kza) the National Institute for Learning Welsh,
.
#### Welsh language strategy targets: at least a million Welsh speakers and increase in use
#### Reporting on targets in the Welsh language strategy
#### Calculating the number of Welsh speakers
#### Reviewing the Welsh language standards
#### Types of Welsh language user and common reference levels
#### Code to describe Welsh language ability
#### Publishing and reviewing the Code
#### School language categories
#### Minimum amount of provision of Welsh language education for each language category
#### Welsh language learning goals for each language category
#### Assessing progress towards meeting Welsh language learning goals
#### Regulations on school language categories
#### School Welsh language education delivery plans
#### Approval of Welsh language education delivery plans
#### Review and amendment of Welsh language education delivery plan
#### Amending Welsh language education delivery plan to change school language category
#### Minimum amount of Welsh language education: temporary exemption
#### Minimum amount of Welsh language education: further exemption
#### Community special schools: plans and language category designation
#### Welsh language nursery education delivery plans
#### Register of school language categories
#### Late immersion education in Welsh
#### National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh
#### National Framework: further provision on the education workforce
#### Implementing the National Framework
#### National Framework: further provision about content, review and amendment
#### Consultation and publication of the National Framework
#### Reporting on the National Framework
#### Local Welsh in education strategic plans
#### Period of local Welsh in education strategic plans
#### Approval of local Welsh in education strategic plans
#### Publication and implementation of local Welsh in education strategic plans
#### Review and amendment of local Welsh in education strategic plans
#### Regulations
#### Amendments to the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013
#### Interpretation
#### National Institute for Learning Welsh
#### Facilitating and supporting lifelong Welsh language learning
#### Additional functions
#### Promoting equality of opportunity
#### Promoting innovation and continuous improvement
#### Promoting collaboration in relation to learning Welsh
#### Promoting co-ordination in relation to learning Welsh
#### Application of Welsh language standards
#### Strategic plan
#### Annual report
#### Directions and guidance
#### Repeal of provisions in the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013
#### Education Acts
#### Interpretation
#### Publication
#### Sending documents
#### Regulations under this Act
#### Consequential and transitional provision etc.
#### Coming into force
#### Short title
The Table reproduces (in relation to the Welsh language) the summary of the common reference levels contained in Appendix 1 to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment - Companion Volume (2020), which updates the 2001 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages developed by the Council of Europe (and referred to in European Council Resolution 14757/01 on the promotion of linguistic diversity and language learning in the framework of the implementation of the objectives of the European Year of Languages 2001).
#### Status
#### Members
#### Disqualification from non-executive membership
#### Non-executive membership terms
#### Removal etc. of members
#### Chief executive
#### Other staff
#### Committees and sub-committees
#### Delegation
#### Procedure
#### Validity of proceedings and acts
#### Seal
##### 12
If the Learning Welsh Institute has a seal, it must be verified by the signature of—
- (a) a member of the Learning Welsh Institute authorised for that purpose, or
- (b) a member of the Learning Welsh Institute’s staff authorised for that purpose.
#### Evidence
##### 13
A document purporting to be duly executed under the seal of the Learning Welsh Institute or to be signed on behalf of the Learning Welsh Institute is to be received in evidence and, unless the contrary is proved, taken to be so executed or signed.
## PART 6 — FINANCIAL MATTERS
#### Finance
##### 14
The Welsh Ministers may make payments by grant or loan to the Learning Welsh Institute of such amounts, and at such times, and on such conditions as the Welsh Ministers determine.
#### Accounting officer
##### 15
- (1) The chief executive of the Learning Welsh Institute is its accounting officer.
- (2) If the chief executive is unable to discharge the responsibilities as accounting officer, the Learning Welsh Institute must nominate a member of its staff to be the accounting officer for as long as the chief executive is unable to discharge the responsibilities.
- (3) If the office of chief executive is vacant, the Learning Welsh Institute must nominate a member of its staff to be the accounting officer for as long as the office of chief executive remains vacant.
- (4) The accounting officer has, in relation to the accounts and finances of the Learning Welsh Institute, the responsibilities specified for the time being by the Welsh Ministers.
- (5) The responsibilities that may be specified under this paragraph include (among other things)—
- (a) responsibilities in relation to the signing of the accounts;
- (b) responsibilities for the appropriateness and regularity of the finances of the Learning Welsh Institute;
- (c) responsibilities for the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the use of the Learning Welsh Institute’s resources;
- (d) responsibilities owed to the Welsh Ministers, Senedd Cymru or its Public Accounts Committee.
#### Accounts
##### 16
- (1) The Learning Welsh Institute must—
- (a) keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to them, and
- (b) prepare a statement of accounts for each financial year.
- (2) Each statement of accounts must comply with any direction given by the Welsh Ministers as to—
- (a) the information to be included in the statement;
- (b) the manner in which the information is to be presented;
- (c) the methods and principles according to which the statement is to be prepared;
- (d) additional information that is to accompany the statement.
- (3) No later than 31 August after the end of each financial year, the Learning Welsh Institute must submit its statement of accounts for that financial year to—
- (a) the Auditor General for Wales, and
- (b) the Welsh Ministers.
#### Audit
##### 17
- (1) This paragraph applies in relation to each statement of accounts submitted to the Auditor General for Wales by the Learning Welsh Institute under paragraph 16(3)(a).
- (2) The Auditor General for Wales must—
- (a) examine, certify and report on the statement of accounts;
- (b) provide a copy of the certified statement of accounts and report to the Learning Welsh Institute.
- (3) The Auditor General for Wales must, before the end of the period of 4 months beginning with the day the statement of accounts is submitted (“the 4-month period”), lay before Senedd Cymru—
- (a) a copy of the certified statement of accounts and report, or
- (b) if it is not reasonably practicable to comply with paragraph (a), a statement to that effect.
- (4) Where a statement is laid under sub-paragraph (3)(b), the Auditor General must lay before Senedd Cymru a copy of the certified statement of accounts and report as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the 4-month period.
- (5) In complying with sub-paragraph (2), the Auditor General for Wales must examine and report on whether, in the opinion of the Auditor General, the expenditure to which the accounts relate has been incurred lawfully and in accordance with the authority governing that expenditure.
#### Examination into use of resources
##### 18
- (1) The Auditor General for Wales may carry out examinations into the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which resources have been used in discharging the Learning Welsh Institute’s functions.
- (2) But that does not entitle the Auditor General for Wales to question the merits of the Learning Welsh Institute’s policy objectives.
- (3) Before carrying out an examination the Auditor General for Wales must—
- (a) consult Senedd Cymru, and
- (b) take into account the views of Senedd Cymru as to whether or not an examination should be carried out.
- (4) The Auditor General for Wales must—
- (a) as soon as is reasonably practicable, publish a report of the results of an examination carried out under this paragraph, and
- (b) lay a copy of the report before Senedd Cymru.
#### Register of interests
##### 19
- (1) The Learning Welsh Institute must establish and maintain a register of the interests of its members.
- (2) The Learning Welsh Institute must publish entries recorded in the members’ register of interests.
#### Supplementary powers
##### 20
- (1) The Learning Welsh Institute may do anything it considers—
- (a) appropriate for the purposes of, or in connection with, its functions, or
- (b) incidental or conducive to the exercise of those functions.
- (2) The Learning Welsh Institute may (among other things)—
- (a) acquire or dispose of land or other property;
- (b) enter into contracts;
- (c) invest sums;
- (d) accept gifts of money, land or other property.
- (3) But the Learning Welsh Institute may not borrow money without the approval of the Welsh Ministers.
## PART 7 — CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENT
#### Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32)
##### 21
In section 148 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (meaning of “*Welsh public records*”), in subsection (2), after paragraph (k), insert—
> (kza) the National Institute for Learning Welsh,
.
#### Welsh language strategy targets: at least a million Welsh speakers and increase in use
#### Reporting on targets in the Welsh language strategy
#### Calculating the number of Welsh speakers
#### Reviewing the Welsh language standards
#### Types of Welsh language user and common reference levels
#### Code to describe Welsh language ability
#### Publishing and reviewing the Code
#### School language categories
#### Minimum amount of provision of Welsh language education for each language category
#### Welsh language learning goals for each language category
#### Assessing progress towards meeting Welsh language learning goals
#### Regulations on school language categories
#### School Welsh language education delivery plans
#### Approval of Welsh language education delivery plans
#### Review and amendment of Welsh language education delivery plan
#### Amending Welsh language education delivery plan to change school language category
#### Minimum amount of Welsh language education: temporary exemption
#### Minimum amount of Welsh language education: further exemption
#### Community special schools: plans and language category designation
#### Welsh language nursery education delivery plans
#### Register of school language categories
#### Late immersion education in Welsh
#### National Framework for Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh
#### National Framework: further provision on the education workforce
#### Implementing the National Framework
#### National Framework: further provision about content, review and amendment
#### Consultation and publication of the National Framework
#### Reporting on the National Framework
#### Local Welsh in education strategic plans
#### Period of local Welsh in education strategic plans
#### Approval of local Welsh in education strategic plans
#### Publication and implementation of local Welsh in education strategic plans
#### Review and amendment of local Welsh in education strategic plans
#### Regulations
#### Amendments to the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013
#### Interpretation
#### National Institute for Learning Welsh
#### Facilitating and supporting lifelong Welsh language learning
#### Additional functions
#### Promoting equality of opportunity
#### Promoting innovation and continuous improvement
#### Promoting collaboration in relation to learning Welsh
#### Promoting co-ordination in relation to learning Welsh
#### Application of Welsh language standards
#### Strategic plan
#### Annual report
#### Directions and guidance
#### Repeal of provisions in the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013
#### Education Acts
#### Interpretation
#### Publication
#### Sending documents
#### Regulations under this Act
#### Consequential and transitional provision etc.
#### Coming into force
#### Short title
The Table reproduces (in relation to the Welsh language) the summary of the common reference levels contained in Appendix 1 to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment - Companion Volume (2020), which updates the 2001 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages developed by the Council of Europe (and referred to in European Council Resolution 14757/01 on the promotion of linguistic diversity and language learning in the framework of the implementation of the objectives of the European Year of Languages 2001).
#### Status
#### Members
#### Disqualification from non-executive membership
#### Non-executive membership terms
#### Removal etc. of members
#### Chief executive
#### Other staff
#### Committees and sub-committees
#### Delegation
#### Procedure
#### Validity of proceedings and acts
#### Seal
#### Evidence
#### Finance
#### Accounting officer
#### Accounts
#### Audit
#### Examination into use of resources
#### Register of interests
#### Supplementary powers
## Editorial notes
[^key-054e3cbb185be4649844a6bf20d9132d]: S. 1(1)(a) in force at 8.7.2025, see [s. 56(1)(b)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asc/2025/2/section/56/1/b)
@@ -2253,103 +2253,3 @@
[^key-f1c62652c201e7d59b2edb86b20f708e]: S. 28 not in force at Royal Assent, see [s. 56(4)(5)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asc/2025/2/section/56/4/5)
[^key-f3208c4142d774026076ba1ef1d77eab]: Sch. 1 in force at 7.9.2025, see [s. 56(2)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asc/2025/2/section/56/2)
#### Local Welsh in education strategic plans
#### Period of local Welsh in education strategic plans
#### Approval of local Welsh in education strategic plans
#### Publication and implementation of local Welsh in education strategic plans
#### Review and amendment of local Welsh in education strategic plans
#### Regulations
#### Amendments to the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013
#### Interpretation
#### National Institute for Learning Welsh
#### Facilitating and supporting lifelong Welsh language learning
#### Additional functions
#### Promoting equality of opportunity
#### Promoting innovation and continuous improvement
#### Promoting collaboration in relation to learning Welsh
#### Promoting co-ordination in relation to learning Welsh
#### Application of Welsh language standards
#### Strategic plan
#### Annual report
#### Directions and guidance
#### Repeal of provisions in the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013
#### Education Acts
#### Interpretation
#### Publication
#### Sending documents
#### Regulations under this Act
#### Consequential and transitional provision etc.
#### Coming into force
#### Short title
The Table reproduces (in relation to the Welsh language) the summary of the common reference levels contained in Appendix 1 to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment - Companion Volume (2020), which updates the 2001 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages developed by the Council of Europe (and referred to in European Council Resolution 14757/01 on the promotion of linguistic diversity and language learning in the framework of the implementation of the objectives of the European Year of Languages 2001).
#### Status
#### Members
#### Disqualification from non-executive membership
#### Non-executive membership terms
#### Removal etc. of members
#### Chief executive
#### Other staff
#### Committees and sub-committees
#### Delegation
#### Procedure
#### Validity of proceedings and acts
#### Seal
#### Evidence
#### Finance
#### Accounting officer
#### Accounts
#### Audit
#### Examination into use of resources
#### Register of interests
#### Supplementary powers
#### Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32)
2025-07-07
Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025
original version
Text at this date