Council plans for new term
WE ASKED councils in South Wale about their plans for the start of next term. Below are the responses from those that replied...
CARDIFF
In line with Welsh Government guidance, schools in Cardiff will take two planning days at the beginning of the spring term.
Discussions with the Welsh Government are ongoing as the position develops and the council will continue to support schools to plan mitigations as part of individual school risk assessments.
The school term will begin on January 6.
BLAENAU GWENT
All schools in Blaenau Gwent will have two planning days at the start of the new term.
This is to allow for Covid safety measures to be firmly in place before learners return, and also for teaching staff to be fully prepared for blended learning and forthcoming examinations.
The term will now officially start on January 6. However, any schools with inset/training days already planned will be able to take those in addition to the two planning days.
The Gwent region and its schools have been operating at the ‘very high’ risk level since October and as part of mitigations introduced then, it was advised that f contact bubbles be reintroduced wherever this was reasonably practicable.
All schools have comprehensive tailored risk assessments in place and will follow the latest national advice and guidelines.
Currently, the return in January is based around pupils returning to face-toface teaching.
The council recognises that circumstances can change quickly and will keep up to date with the latest advice.
CAERPHILLY
January 4 and 5 are planning days. From Thursday onwards, pupils will return to school. Some schools may have inset days, and therefore, may have individual arrangements.
Any decisions on remote learning will be following consultation and guidance from the Welsh Government.
RHONDDA CYNON TAF
All schools will be adopting mitigating measures for very high-risk scenarios.
There are two planning days on January 4 and 5, with vulnerable learner and critical worker provision planned on January 5.
Plans beyond this point will be informed by the Welsh Government in January. Schools are planning accordingly.