Headteachers demand urgent update on plans for schools

HEADTEACHERS have written to the Welsh Government demanding urgent clarification of how they are expected to open schools in September.

The letter from school leaders’ union NAHT Cymru says they need details on how schools will re-open in September to be provided as early as tomorrow. If not they warn pupils may be put at unnecessary disadvantage.

A Welsh Government spokesman said Education Minister Kirsty Williams “is looking at that advice and evidence and will provide a further update in the coming days”.

The NAHT expressed “frustration” that the details of their plans for children returning to school in September have not yet been published.

“For many schools, there are just two weeks left of the current summer term and there is still no clarity from the Welsh Government on what September will look like,” the NAHT’s letter to Ms Williams says. “It is unacceptable that schools, parents and pupils do not know at this late stage what to plan for in the autumn term.”

The letter says detailed guidance around what the Welsh Government expects of schools in September is needed by headteachers by tomorrow at the latest or there will not be time for schools to properly prepare for and implement any necessary changes. It calls for decisions on social distancing guidelines for schools in September and the Government’s longer-term plans for what is describes as “children’s academic recovery”.

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Good practice and evidence from this current period is helping inform school operations for the future. Wales is in a unique position in having this opportunity and that is thanks to the efforts of heads, teachers and wider school staff.

“Health and scientific advice is evolving and having to look ahead a further two months is an added challenge. The education minister is looking at that advice and evidence and will provide a further update in the coming days.”