COMMENTING on today's Assembly Government statement on the review into education for eight to 14-year-old children, Shadow Education Minister Paul Davies AM said:

"This period covers a crucial period in a child's education. It is vital the Assembly Government has the right policies in place to take them through the next key stage of their learning.

"We already know there is a wide gap in funding per pupil in Wales compared with England, as well as a gap in pupil achievement at GCSE level.

"We have welcomed the Foundation Phase early years learning initiative. What is vital now is that ministers provide the proper support for children after that.

"The Assembly Government has short-changed pupils, teachers and schools across Wales for far too long. Our fear now is that with shrinking budgets Wales risks being left even further behind."