Headteachers share their experiences of leading schools through pandemic

Headteachers have shared what it was like leading their schools through the pandemic and the pressures they faced.

During the pandemic headteachers across Wales had to act quickly and efficiently to ensure the health and safety of their students as Covid restrictions changed frequently.

Nicola Davies, headteacher at Nant y Parc Primary School in Senghenydd, and Richard Owen, headteacher at Idris Davies School in Abertysswg, explained they had both felt supported.

The pair made their comments at a recent meeting of Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Education Scrutiny Committee.

Mrs Davies, who was made an MBE this year, said she wanted to maintain the trust parents had in her by answering their questions and being informed.

She said: “Being that person who they trust and being that person who has all the answers and gives reassurance – that’s been hard. It’s been really tricky and a big challenge because very often we didn’t know the answers.”

Mr Owen said the “biggest challenge was facing the uncertainty”, but he added that he always knew who to turn to at the council if he had any questions and had used a helpline funded by the Welsh Government for headteachers.

Despite not using the helpline, Mrs Davies said she often turned to Keri Cole, Chief Education Officer at the council, for guidance.

Mrs Davies said: “Keri was always at the end of the phone for me.”

Ms Cole described both headteachers, Mr Owen and Mrs Davies as “excellent”.