Schools in Wales to reopen at the end of June

Schools in Wales will reopen on Monday, June 29, the Welsh education minister has confirmed.

Only a third of pupils will be allowed at school at any one time, education minister Kirsty Williams has said.

The summer term will be extended by one week to July 27, with the autumn half term holiday stretched to two weeks.

Children who are classed as shielding will not have to return to school and will be able to continue learning remotely.

Parents who choose not to send their children back to school will not be fined.

Schools in Wales have been closed since March 20 due to the coronavirus pandemic, with a number of education hubs opened up to provide childcare for children of key workers, as well as children deemed vulnerable.

Education hubs have been operating from Bedwas High, Blackwood Primary, Idris Davies 3-18, Lewis School, Risca Community Comprehensive, Trinity Fields, St James’ Primary School, Rhiw Syr Dafydd and at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni (Gellihaf site), Greenhill Primary and Glan y Nant.

Education minister Ms Williams said: “As we continue to keep Wales safe, this approach will be critical.

“The evolving science suggests that warm weather and sunlight gives us the best opportunity to ensure more time in school.

“Waiting until September would mean almost half a year without schooling. That would be to the detriment to the wellbeing, learning progress and mental health of our young people.

“This is and has been a worrying period for us all. I know that many will feel apprehensive. We have not rushed this work and this decision.

“I am also convinced that it is only by returning to their own school that we will see increased attendance from our more vulnerable and disadvantaged children.”

Welsh Government had previously published its five key principles for reopening schools.

They were as follows:

• The safety and mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of students and staff
• Continuing contribution to the national effort and strategy to fight the spread of Covid-19
• Having the confidence of parents, staff and students – based on evidence and information – so that they can plan ahead
• Ability to prioritise learners at key points, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Consistency with the Welsh Government’s framework for decision making, to have guidance in place to support measures such as distancing, managing attendance and wider protective actions.

Cllr Philippa Marsden, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said she wanted to assure parents over the safety and wellbeing of the children.

She said: “I very much welcome this sensible approach, which will help safeguard the health and wellbeing of staff and pupils, as well as ensuring learning can resume as quickly and safely as possible.

“Over recent months I have been working closely with Welsh Government ministers and other council leaders to help support the reopening of our schools and it is good to see that this collaborative approach has resulted in positive progress.

“I want to assure parents that the safety and wellbeing of children is paramount and this whole approach has been underpinned by robust scientific and medical evidence. If the medical situation changes, the position regarding schools will be reviewed immediately.”

However, teaching unions have expressed concerns about the reopening of schools.

A survey carried out by NEU Cymru, the largest education union in Wales, showed a majority of members did not want to see schools reopened until September.

NASUWT teachers’ union has also expressed concerns about schools reopening.