Wrexham schools move to remote learning for last three days of term

Wrexham’s schools will move to online learning for the last three days of this term – the 20th, 21st and 22nd of December.

In a statement this afternoon Chief Officer for Education Karen Evans said due to the increase in concern over the number of covid cases in schools, and the impact on staffing, schools in Wrexham will move to online learning for the last three days of term – the 20th, 21st and 22nd.

That effectively means schools end for in-class teaching on Friday for Christmas – however “Onsite provision will be made for those pupils who are considered to be vulnerable or who are children of critical workers, where there are no other alternatives”.

The full statement is below, as sent to all councillors this afternoon and notes consultation with Lead Member for Education Cllr Phil Wynn:

Dear Councillor

Councillor Phil Wynn and I have met with representatives of the Primary Heads Federation and Wrexham Association of Secondary Headteachers today. There is increasing concern regarding the number of Covid cases in schools and the impact on staffing levels, as we approach the end of term. School leaders have managed considerable disruption, but with an increasing trend, there is concern that the current position will become untenable. School leaders and staff have worked very hard to implement rigorous and robust safety measures on their sites and to do as much as they can to provide high quality learning experiences.

However, a number of schools are experiencing high levels of staff absence and disruption to learning is now significant. Taking all of these factors into consideration, we have agreed that schools in Wrexham will move to online learning for the last three days of the term (20, 21 and 22). Onsite provision will be made for those pupils who are considered to be vulnerable or who are children of critical workers, where there are no other alternatives.

As I am sure you will appreciate this a very difficult situation to manage in terms of ensuring that we address and support the position of schools individually and as a collective.

If you have any queries please contact me.

Kind regards Karen

The move follows other authorities in North Wales and the rest of Wales.

More shortly.