‘Next three weeks are going to be really challenging’
CARMARTHENSHIRE’S director of education Gareth Morgans described the past few weeks as the most surreal of his career.
Schools were closed down in just two days in March, online learning programmes were rolled out, childcare hubs were created, and now preparations for a June 29 return date are gathering pace.
Mr Morgans said the council was committed to providing everything the county’s 112 schools needed to create a safe learning environment.
He said the four-week school period this summer would help everyone prepare better for the September term.
“We need children back in school for some face-to-face teaching,” said Mr Morgans.
“The online learning has worked really well but you can’t substitute it with face-to-face.
“I accept there will be parents who are still anxious - and they don’t have to send their children back at this time.”
He said his gut feeling g was that schools might t see low numbers to start t with but that they would d rise once parents spoke to one another about how things were working out.
New layouts and working arrangements are being piloted at Ysgol Coedcae and Bryn Teg primary, both in Llanelli, and at Hendy county primary.
Letters have been sent out to all parents and an online survey carried out about the remote learning since March.
Mr Morgans said he believed a “blended” approach to learning – including an element of remote working – would be carried forward longerterm.
“The Hwb (distance learning) has really come into its own,” he said.
The council, he said, had provided 1,600 laptops and arranged 300 internet connections for those who needed them.
School transport will be a major logistical challenge – and school buildings will also need to be signed off in two phases as ready for action, although some have remained open during the coronavirus crisis.
Mr Morgans has served on a Welsh Government advisory group in recent weeks – one of three representing councils and Estyn, head teachers, and unions.
He said there were mixed views among the three groups about the best approach.
“My view is that June 29 (return) is reasonable,” said the former head teacher.
“My personal view is that I would have preferred Year 6 first in primary school, then Year 10 and then Year 12 in secondary school. I felt that was more manageable.
“But people appreciate there is now a clear direction of travel.
“The key thing now is ge getting the clear gu guidance from the Welsh Government.
“I think the next th three weeks is going to be a really ch challenging period fo for all of us workin ing in education.”