Welsh education minister Kirsty Williams has urged pupils to take the opportunity to return to school over the next three weeks.

Specific encouragement was given to pupils in years six and 11, as they will transition from primary to secondary school, and from secondary to further education respectively.

The call follows a number of parents taking to social media to say they won’t allow their children to return to school for three weeks from Monday, June 29.

Speaking at the Welsh Government’s daily press briefing, Ms Williams said: “I hope as many parents as possible take these opportunities and I want to assure parents that your schools, their headteachers, teachers and those who work beside them have worked really hard to ensure the return to schools is managed as safely and as carefully as possible.

“You can be confident of taking advantage of the opportunities we are providing.

“If for whatever reason families feel this is not suitable for them, I would invite them to have that conversation with their headteachers to understand what more support can be provided.”

The education minister also confirmed that for those pupils about to take the next step out of school, Careers Wales’ services remain available.

She continued: “For those students in year 11, I would urge you to get in touch with your teachers, your local college or Careers Wales in particular who can give you fantastic advice of what opportunities are available to you in receipt of your results in August.”