Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Schools in Caerphilly County Borough will reopen remotely for the first two days of term in January.

Rising coronavirus rates and the uncertainty of staffing levels in January has led Welsh Government and the Welsh Local Government Association to announce a flexible approach to the new school term.

The new term starts on January 4, but students will not have face-to-face teaching until January 6.

In an open letter to parents, the council said: “This decision has been based upon the increasing number of staff shortages due to positive cases and self-isolation together with the concern that these numbers are, of course, unpredictable for the first week of term.”

In Caerphilly County Borough, the first two days of term will be taught remotely so that head teachers can confirm staffing levels.

If a school has booked an inset day then January 5 and 6 would be used for remote learning days, although individual schools will contact parents to confirm these arrangements.

After the two remote learning days, schools will reintroduce face-to-face teaching for eligible key worker childcare and vulnerable pupils, and schools will contact other groups/classes of pupils to begin their learning on site.

Pupils not on site will continue to have remote lessons.

All pupils will be back for face-to-face learning by January 18, at the latest, except for classes closed due to self-isolation or staff shortages.

In secondary schools, priority will be given to years 11, 12 and 13 for the return to face-to-face teaching.

Pupils entitled to free school meals will continue to receive deliveries.