Wales ready to go back to school, says Minister
“WALES is ready to go back to school,” Education Minister Kirsty Williams has insisted as parents, staff and children prepare for the new academic year.
Although staff were due to be back in from Tuesday, many children won’t return until today, or even next week as schools finalise health and safety and prioritise key years.
“We know a lot more about the virus then 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 well-being, 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 for schools to help fund changes they need to make as a result of the pandemic and closures.
Some children have not been into the classroom for nearly six months after schools were shut by the pandemic in March.
Some stayed open for key workers’ children throughout before schools reopened to more for the last three weeks of the 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 will not 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 reintroduced 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.
The message does not mention masks. The Welsh Government last week said it was leaving councils to decide their own policies on wearing face coverings in communal areas of secondary schools.
This has led to differing policies in schools around Wales and on school transport.