Says education minister in her latest plan for schools
lar handwashing and cleaning; staggering arrivals and departures; and use of floor markings.”
Options for resuming teaching will be considered against the effect it would have on the transmission of coronavirus, the capacity of schools and the benefit to pupils – as well as the economic impact and how practical it is.
Ms Williams said: “As the Education Minister for Wales, I will make the decisions on how and when more pupils in Wales will return to school.
“Today I am sharing further information on how those decisions will be reached. Nothing would make me happier than seeing our classrooms full again.
“But I want to be clear that this framework does not – and I will not – set an arbitrary date for when more pupils will return to school.
“Setting a date before we have more evidence, more confidence and more control over the virus would be the wrong thing to do.
“This will not be one decision but a series of decisions over time increasing, or if need be, decreasing operation.
“These changes will be complex, with many different considerations. I want the working document to be a stimulus for wider discussion and feedback.
“I am sharing this today to be as transparent as possible.
“I want everyone to know the extent of the issues related to the next phase.
“When we are ready to move into that next phase, I will ensure that there is enough time for preparation and for staff to carry out any necessary training.”
Simon Pirotte, chief executive of Bridgend College, said: “Our Education
Minister, Kirsty Williams, has been quite clear that the health and wellbeing of our staff and learners is paramount and decisions will be based on a solid bank of evidence.
“I’m confident that, through working together in Wales, we can manage this transition.”
Gwenllian Lansdown-Davies, chief executive of early years education umbrella group Mudiad Meithrin, said: “I’m glad to be invited to contribute to the work, given the innate importance of the sector in its own right and how integral it will be to the re-openings of schools as well.”