Union says Welsh Government has funded repairs, meals and swimming lessons but failed to address one of the biggest pressures facing schools

SCHOOL leaders have welcomed extra Welsh Government funding for repairs, free school meals and swimming lessons — but warned that pupils with additional learning needs have been overlooked.

The criticism came after the Welsh Government set out its supplementary budget for 2026-27, including £40m for school buildings and repairs, £15m to expand free school meals in secondary schools, and £2m for swimming lessons.

Laura Doel, national secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT Cymru, said the extra capital funding for school buildings was welcome and would “go some way to plugging the gap”.

She also welcomed the expansion of free school meals, saying no child should go hungry because of their parents’ financial circumstances.

But Ms Doel said the “significant omission” was the lack of additional funding for ALN provision.

She said: “It beggars belief that of money that has come to Wales thanks to investment into additional needs in England, not a penny has gone to support pupils with ALN in Wales.

“We have seen local authorities, directors of education and the profession united on the need for significant investment in supporting our most vulnerable learners, but this government has chosen to ignore the pleas for support.

“It calls into question whether education is a key priority for this government.”

ALN pressure

Additional learning needs provision has become one of the major pressures facing schools and councils across Wales, with rising demand for specialist support, assessments, staffing and placements.

School leaders argue that without dedicated funding, already stretched school budgets are being forced to absorb costs which can affect support for both ALN pupils and the wider school community.

The Welsh Government says the supplementary budget is designed to support key priorities, including public services, schools, health and the cost of living.

But NAHT Cymru said the absence of new ALN money was difficult to justify at a time when schools are repeatedly warning that vulnerable learners need more support.

The Herald has asked the Welsh Government how much of the school buildings funding will come to west Wales and why no specific additional allocation has been made for ALN provision.

MINISTERS have announced plans to speed up reforms aimed at helping high street businesses compete with online retailers and overseas sellers.

The Treasury said changes to low-value imports will now be brought forward by six months, with customs duty relief on goods worth £135 or less set to be scrapped from October 2028.

The move is designed to stop online retailers gaining an unfair advantage over shops, pubs, restaurants, hotels and other high street businesses.

At present, many cheaper imported goods can enter the UK without customs duty, a system which ministers say has left traditional retailers at a disadvantage.

The Government is also reviewing how VAT is collected from businesses trading through online marketplaces, amid concerns that some sellers are failing to pay the tax they owe.

The Treasury said revenue raised from tougher VAT enforcement would be used to help improve the business rates system for high street firms.

Dan Tomlinson, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “This action tackles the unfair competition and dodgy businesses that are doing real damage to our high streets.

“And by making sure that tax is paid when it’s owed, we can raise revenue to put back into improvements to the business rates system for pubs, restaurants, hotels and other high street businesses.”

The package also includes a consultation on VAT reform for land used in new social housing developments.

Ministers say the change could help speed up the delivery of affordable homes by making the tax system better reflect how social housing schemes are developed.

The Treasury said the measures form part of wider plans to make the UK tax and customs system simpler, fairer and more focused on economic growth.

Flag-raising forms part of national show of support for service personnel, veterans, reservists and families

LANDMARC Support Services has raised the Armed Forces Day flag at Castlemartin Training Area to mark Armed Forces Week 2026.

The event, held in partnership with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, formed part of a national celebration across the Defence Training Estate, with flags being flown at military training establishments across the UK.

Landmarc said the gesture was intended to show appreciation for serving personnel, veterans, reservists, military families and the wider Armed Forces community.

The company works with the Ministry of Defence and DIO to manage and operate the Defence Training Estate, providing training support, rural land maintenance and facilities management to help military personnel train effectively.

Support for veterans

Landmarc has also highlighted its work supporting service leavers as they move into civilian employment.

The company recently held a careers event called Landmarc Pathways: From Service to Second Career, offering service leavers guidance, networking opportunities and information about career routes within Landmarc and beyond.

It said it plans to continue running careers-focused initiatives for members of the Armed Forces community.

Landmarc has also been nominated three times at this year’s British Forces in Business Awards, which recognise former military personnel in second careers and employers who support veterans.

The company has expanded its partnership with X-Forces Enterprise by extending its Guaranteed Interview Scheme for veterans, reservists and military spouses and partners to include the Cadets in Enterprise programme.

The scheme forms part of Landmarc’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, which it re-signed in 2024 after achieving the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.

‘Proud to show support’

Mark Neill, Managing Director at Landmarc, said: “Our recent careers event enabled us to provide practical support to service personnel and veterans preparing for the transition into civilian employment.

“Understanding how to translate military skills for civilian roles, build professional networks and explore new career pathways can make a significant difference to achieving a successful transition.

“As a veteran myself, I know first-hand how important Armed Forces Week is in recognising the contribution of those who serve, as well as the wider Armed Forces community, and we are proud to show our support during this special week.”

Brigadier Hatcher, DIO’s Head of Overseas and Training Region, added: “Armed Forces Week provides an important opportunity to recognise and thank the people who serve as well as their families, veterans and reservists.

“It’s fantastic to see the public, businesses, and fellow service members come together in support. Alongside our colleagues at Landmarc, we are proud to raise the flag at sites across the UK to honour their contribution.”