'Milestone' on Welsh laws reached

Ministers are promising a distinctive approach to learners needs

The first new order giving the Welsh assembly the power to make laws in specified areas has been approved by Parliament.

MPs approved the new power to legislate on additional learning needs without having a vote.

The order is set to be rubber-stamped by the Privy Council and is due to receive Royal Assent in April.

The assembly government promised the power would make a "real difference to the lives of vulnerable learners".

Speaking after a House of Commons debate on the order, Welsh Assembly Government Education Minister Jane Hutt said she wanted to ensure that "we deliver the best possible services for learners with additional learning needs".

Ms Hutt said the new power would help all learners to "fully participate in the many opportunities that are available in Wales."

During the debate, Wales Office Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said that Welsh legislation had reached a "new milestone" which showed "that we have the right process in place".

"The approval of the order will allow the assembly to tailor education and training opportunities for everyone in Wales regardless of their needs, benefiting children, young learners and adults wherever they live in Wales," he said.