What are new education minister's priorities?

That was the question put to Wales' new cabinet secretary for education by one of the pupils she met while on a visit to a Cardiff primary school. "I'll be honest with you, it's quite hard because I'm new," was Lynne Neagle's unguarded response. It is the first cabinet position for Ms Neagle, who is one of only four politicians remaining in the Senedd from the very first election 25 years ago. She is due to set out her vision for education in Wales on Tuesday, with one of her top priorities being tackling absenteeism and bad behaviour in Welsh schools.The percentage of secondary school pupils missing 10% of school sessions has rocketed since Covid, more than doubling between 2018-19 and 2022-23 to 40%. Instances of verbal and physical abuse towards staff have also become more common, unions say. Neil Butler, national officer for Wales at teaching union NASUWT, said: "We have a situation now where more than ever, the NASUWT is in dispute with schools across Wales over the failure of the employer to protect our members from - verbal abuse mainly - but occasionally physical assault as well." The union is calling for the Welsh government to hold a summit to discuss the issue. Mr Butler said abuse directed at classroom staff was "a daily occurrence and has almost become part of the culture". Ms Neagle told Members of the Senedd on Wednesday that the Welsh government was working on a "behaviour toolkit".