Two new school hubs for the children of key workers have opened up in Caerphilly County Borough.
The new hubs have opened at Rhiw Syr Dafydd Primary School in Oakdale and St James’ Primary School in Caerphilly town.
The seven existing hubs in the borough include Bedwas High, Blackwood Primary, Idris Davies 3-18, Lewis School, Risca Community Comprehensive, Trinity Fields and Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni’s Gellihaf campus.
Across the sites, more than 180 pupils aged between five and 14 are cared for each day, with more than 200 members of staff redeployed from schools across the borough.
Childcare is provided from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
Caerphilly County Borough Council has said it is working with childcare providers in the borough to provide places for younger children.
Cllr Barbara Jones, cabinet member for education and achievement, said: “The hubs offer comfort to critical workers that their children are being cared for by fully qualified staff in safe, secure environments; allowing them to focus on delivering frontline services.
“I’d like to thank the staff working at the hubs. Without their support this provision would not be possible. I believe thanks should also be given to the children attending the hubs – with many having to adapt to a completely new school environment.
“It’s been wonderful to hear how well children have been settling and the new friendships that are already being formed. We’ve also seen lots of creative activities taking place across the hubs, including writing letters to key workers, creating birthday cards for Captain Tom Moore, Easter egg hunts, gardening, cooking, sports, and arts and crafts. I look forward to hearing more stories over the coming weeks.”
More information about childcare hubs can be found at caerphilly.gov.uk/coronavirus