Western Mail

Clarificat­ion sought on how schools will open in September

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

The letter from school leaders’ union NAHT Cymru says they need details on how schools will reopen in September as early as Monday. If not pupils may be put at unnecessar­y disadvanta­ge. In response the Welsh Government said yesterday evening: “The Education Minister 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. England and Scotland have already announced their plans and guidance for reopening next term. “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 Education Minister Kirsty Williams, pictured, 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 Monday 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: “Wales is the only UK nation where all pupils have been given the opportunit­y to attend school before the summer holidays, to see their teachers and classmates and to ‘check in, catch up and prepare’ for summer and September.

“As we have seen this week, thousands of children across Wales have aleady returned to school. “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.”

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