The Welsh Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams MS, has today outlined the national approach for the return of children and young people to schools in Wales. A cautious phased return to schools, that will be adapted to allow for social distancing, is planned to start from Monday, 29th June 2020.
Schools will be open to pupils from all year groups for limited periods during the week, with only a third of pupils in school at any one time. The summer term has been extended by one week to 27th July, and the autumn half-term holiday will be extended to two weeks.
Attendance when schools do re-open at that time will be voluntary and a parental decision. Children and young people who fall into the shielding category will carry on with online learning.
Together with our School Leaders and Trade Unions, we will be working closely with the Welsh Government and other partners on this requirement to re-open, and work has already started on a local level to look at ways in which our schools could operate safely in line with the current social distancing guidelines. The Welsh Government is to release further guidance and we will work to this in order to ensure that all the necessary arrangements are in place before learners return.
The well-being and safety of all learners and school staff is always our priority in managing the reopening of our schools.
Our schools have responded swiftly and positively to the Covid-19 Pandemic so far, and have worked hard to support learners and their families during this difficult time. We will continue to support our school family and our communities and will give you more information when we are able.