SERIOUS concerns over the impact on young people's education of a lack of textbooks and other resources available in Welsh schools have been raised by an Assembly committee led by a Gwent AM.

Pupils and teachers alike told the Children, Young People and Education Committee, which is chaired by Torfaen's Lynne Neagle, that a shortage of resources, with textbooks sometimes not being available until the school year was well under way, was causing stress and anxiety.

Particular concerns have been raised about a lack of Welsh language textbooks and other material - with some teachers having to translate English language resources themselves.

With budgets under pressure, the committee has said there must be "a fundamental rethink" about what resources are made available.

It also said arrangements should be put in place to ensure resources are translated centrally to avoid extra burden being placed on teachers, while essential textbooks and other material should always be available before courses begin.

Ms Neagle said: “To be told by pupils and teachers directly that resources are lacking, that books sometimes don’t arrive until part way through the school year, and that Welsh language provision is so inconsistent, is very concerning.

“Also concerning is the lack of clarity over who is responsible for ensuring our schoolchildren have the learning resources they need in the format that suits them best.

“We need to know who should be delivering textbooks, that Welsh language provision is delivered along with English language, and that textbooks and teacher resources are part of the core package of resources available for learners.”