Welsh councils call for “clear timescale” to bring more pupils back to school safely

Councils across Wales are urging Welsh Government for a “clear roadmap” to bring more pupils back to school when it is safe to do so.

At the end of January First Minister Mark Drakeford unveiled plans for a “phased and flexible” return to school for those aged between three and seven from the week commencing Monday 22 February.

Students studying vocational qualifications will also be among those prioritised for the phased return to colleges.

The Welsh Government’s reopening plan is also set to see the introduction of twice-weekly testing for staff members as well as increased financial support for new face coverings.

However schools in Wrexham will not open until Friday, February 26 at the very earliest – depending on local coronavirus levels after half-term.

Wrexham Council announced it was delaying the return of pupils aged between three and seven due to the level of infection locally.

Today the WLGA (Welsh Local Government Association) is urging the Welsh Government to set out how the remainder of primary school and secondary students can return to the classroom.

Councillor Ian Roberts (Flintshire – who although have similar case rates, are not taking Wrexham’s lead), WLGA spokesperson for education, said a clear plan was needed to provide clarity for learners.

Cllr Roberts said: “Welsh Government and local government have worked in close partnership together to prioritise education throughout the crisis.

“We know how concerning this last year has been for all learners, especially those year groups whose usual assessments and examinations have been disrupted by the crisis and are looking forward to catch up with their education.

“We welcome the fact that returning children to schools rightly remains Welsh Government’s top priority as it is essential for our children’s education and development in their formative years. Last week’s announcement will have provided welcome clarity for learners, their families, and school staff.

“It’s now important that we work together to have a clear plan of how other age groups and cohorts can safely be returned to school to resume face-to-face learning, when the rate of infection provides enough headroom to safely do so and on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer.

“Having such a plan would help to give local authorities and schools plenty of time to prepare, and would help to reassure staff, learners and their families of the way ahead.”

Speaking at today’s Welsh Government briefing, Minister for Mental Health and the Welsh Language Eluned Morgan said: “We of course are very anxious to get our children back to school

“We will be giving far more detail on what we’re hoping to do next on Friday when we come up with that 21 day review.”

“I hope that the First Minister will be able to give a bit more clarity, of course to teachers, to the WLGA and to parents in terms of what we’re hoping to do in terms of a route map to reopening schools in a more balanced way to make sure that we keep them safe, but that we really try and encourage those children back to school.”