A £50,000 funding package to support learning opportunities for gifted children has been announced by the Minister for Education, Jane Davidson . Speaking at the Able and Talented Pupils In Wales Conference where she also launched the consultation of the "Quality Standards in Education for More Able and Talented Pupils" in Wales guidance, the Minister said; " My philosophy is that our task, whether we are Government Ministers, teachers, parents or citizens, is to help develop an education system in Wales that matches the potential of all our children and young people.
" More able and talented pupils are part of the group of pupils who have additional learning needs - such pupils require extended learning opportunities. The Quality Standards have put in place a consistent approach to meeting needs across the whole of Wales and aids schools, LEAs and the Welsh Assembly Government to monitor the progress being made. The Standards are essentially a development and evaluation tool and not a "quick fix".
"Schools that have already been through the quality standards process show that their effect is far reaching and affects all pupils - raising standards on a whole school basis.
The Minister congratulated Tir-y- Berth Primary School in Caerphilly for recently being successful in becoming the first school in Wales to achieve the National Quality Award.