How each local authority is approaching the uncertain start of the spring term

WHEN term broke up there was uncertainty about exactly what next term will look like.

All pupils will start term two days later than planned to give staff time to prepare for remote learning, if needed, Education Minister Jeremy Miles announced.

That means some children will return as late as January 10, but whether or not that is in person or online still depends on the situation with the pandemic and staff absence in each area.

The start of term will look different for pupils across Wales.

This is what each council has said so far about their plans for the start of next term - dates will also depend on individual schools’ plans for inset days, apart from the two training days for all school staff at the start of term: Swansea Schools in Swansea are set to open two days later than planned at the start of next term to allow them to plan and prepare for the term ahead.

It means in Swansea the first day of the spring term in most schools will be Thursday January 6.

Swansea Council’s director of education, Helen Morgan-rees said: “The Welsh Government will be providing all schools with two planning days at the start of the new spring term, this will allow us time to assess staffing capacity and put the necessary measures in place to support the return of learners.

“However, schools will also be ensuring that they have robust plans in place to move to remote learning if needed. This could be for individual classes/year groups or possibly for the whole school, depending on staffing pressures.

“The planning days will also allow our secondary schools to plan for learners to safely sit their January exams. At the beginning of term these students will be prioritised for on site learning and to ensure that the exams can take place safely.

“Given the current uncertainties around Omicron the Minister has asked schools to move to the ‘very high’ risk level on the schools’ infection control framework.

“At a school level this could see staggered start and finish times from the start of the new term as an additional mitigation as well as the re-introduction of contact groups and potentially pausing after school and breakfast provision, or team sports where necessary.

“These decisions will be taken based on each individual school’s risk assessment.” Carmarthenshire Council Pupils to return January 6 after two staff planning days.

In a letter to parents Carmarthenshire Council’s director of education and children’s services Gareth Morgans said schools are taking the first two days of the new term – January 4 and 5 – to plan and prepare for measures that may be needed “to support the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff”.

The letter added: “Our collective priority as schools and the local authority continues to be to minimise the disruption to education and ensure where possible learners continue to receive in person learning, as well as protecting school staff and learners.

“Parents are advised to speak to their school regarding support for childcare provision if they have no other alternative, however parents are urged to only request support after exploring all other options available to them.

“Those eligible for free school meals will receive funding for January 4 and 5. School kitchens will not be operating on these dates.

“Face coverings will continue to be required by secondary aged learners in all indoor areas, including classrooms, where physical distance cannot be maintained.

“Staff and learners of secondary age and above are urged to continue regular Lateral Flow Testing - the strong advice is to test three times in the week before returning to school and to then continue testing regularly three times a week after the start of term.

“Staff and pupils are also urged to prioritise getting their vaccination or booster dose when offered.” Powys January 5 and 6 will be preparation days for schools.

These days will allow schools to review their risk assessments, processes and systems to ensure that the school will be safe for the return of learners.

It has also been agreed that Friday, January 7, 2022 will see all schools deliver blended learning to learners but will be open for vulnerable children and children of key/critical workers.

Cllr Phyl Davies, cabinet member for education and property, said: “It is our intention that all learners will return to their education settings on Monday, January 10, 2022. However, this will be dependent on coronavirus levels in the New Year so it is important that families do everything that they can to keep themselves and others safe.

“I must make it clear that we are still in the grip of this pandemic. Parents should continue to be on their guard for coronavirus and keep unwell children away from school and early year settings even if symptoms seem very mild.” Neath Port Talbot The council said on its website: Welsh Government Covid-19 planning days will take place on Tuesday, January 4 and Wednesday, January 5. That means pupils would return Thursday, January 6.