Williams seeks to calm fears as schools reopen
‘EVERY PRECAUTION TAKEN’ TO ENSURE SAFETY
EDUCATION Minister Kirsty Williams insists “every precaution has been taken” to ensure schools in Wales are safe to return to this week.
Learning has been badly disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak, which saw schools shut amid the lockdown and pupils home-schooled for long periods.
However with infection figures down and restrictions eased, staff are back in, with many youngsters set to restart their school education either on Thursday or next week, as careful preparations continue.
“We know a lot more about the virus than we did back in March and find ourselves in a better place with the balance of risk now overwhelmingly in favour of children returning to school,” said Ms Williams in a back to school message. “We also know that going back to school is critical for children’s development, health, and wellbeing, especially those who are most vulnerable in our communities. “Older learners are more than ready to take their next steps into college, apprenticeships and university,” she added.
The Welsh Government announced earlier this summer it was making £29m available to schools to help fund changes they had to make following the pandemic and closures. Some pupils have not been into a classroom for nearly six months after schools were closed in March. Some stayed open for key workers’ children throughout before schools reopened to more for the last three weeks of summer term.
Headteachers have said they are not sure how many will return this week but reassured parents and staff they have taken all precautions they can to keep them safe.
They have been given two weeks until September 14 to have everyone back full time, but parents and carers won’t face penalties if they choose not to send children in.
Some heads say this sends a mixed message that schools aren’t safe and said penalties need to be re-introduced by half term at the latest or children’s education will suffer even more.
In her message Ms Williams outlined some of the work done including increased cleaning regimes.
Last week, the Welsh Government announced, schoolchildren over the age of 11 in Wales should wear face coverings at school where social distancing is not possible.