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Pupils in Years 7, 8, and 9 could be able to return to school classrooms ahead of the Easter break.

The Welsh Government is expected to publish full guidance to schools later today.

In a video released on Twitter, Education Minister Kirsty Williams said pupils would be able to “check-in with teachers, with a focus on support for wellbeing”.

The planned return of younger secondary school pupils would be in addition to all primary pupils, who are expected to return from Monday, March 15, along with students in Years 10 and 12, those in exam years and students doing similar qualifications in colleges.

Younger primary pupils have been able to return to their classrooms since Monday, February 22.

The plans will be subject to the regular three-week review of coronavirus regulations by the Welsh Government on Friday, March 12.

Ms Williams said: “I want to make clear now that this will not be a full return to school for Years 7, 8 and 9 before Easter.

“The focus before Easter will be on learners who are undertaking qualifications, especially those in Years 11 and 13, and those studying practical vocational qualifications.”

She added: “I would like to thank all of you once again for following the rules, driving down the transmission of the virus, and for giving us even more headroom to get learners back to our schools and colleges.

“Together we will keep Wales safe and together we will keep Wales learning.”

The Welsh Conservatives have welcomed the move, but Shadow Education Minister, Suzy Davies MS said it should have been done earlier.

She said: “It is somewhat regrettable that it has taken this long to provide this information to families but I am pleased opposition pressure has won the day and that more children across Wales will be back in school before Easter.”

NAHT question decision

NAHT Cymru Director Laura Doel said: “We want nothing more than a safe and sustainable wider return to school and we all share the ambition of bringing in learners as soon as we can. We understand the desire to allow learners to meet up with their teachers and in some schools this is already happening.

“But we are surprised by the proposed acceleration before the hard data exists to support it. We have not had a full return of foundation phase across Wales yet and what we don’t want is to see a is schools having to close again because we have brought in too many learners too quickly. The public will not forgive a third lock down.

“The profession stands ready to play its part but the government needs to provide a compelling narrative to reassure parents, carers and communities that their decisions are truly guided by the emerging science.”