MINISTER ON SCHOOLS REOPENING
WALES’ Education Minister has set out her “current thinking” for the phased reopening of schools.
Kirsty Williams MS published a document yesterday setting out how the Welsh Government is considering the next phase for schools in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ms Williams described the document as “setting out our current thinking” for how schools, as well as other education establishments and childcare settings, will change to allow social distancing.
But the minister stopped short of giving a date for when schools would reopen, instead reiterating her message that she would not set an arbitrary date before further evidence is available.
Most schools in Wales have been closed since the start of the pandemic, with some open to cater for the children of critical workers and pupils considered vulnerable.
Ms Williams’ document titled “Decision framework for the next phase of education and childcare” is said to build on the five principles published by the minister last month.
She said she would be consulting with head teachers, councils, trade unions and the childcare sector before taking any decisions – as well as using international evidence.
The document said: “For example, we are considering practice in Denmark around the use of other buildings to increase capacity; regular handwashing and cleaning; staggering arrivals and departures; and use of floor markings.”
Options for resuming teaching will be considered against the effect it would have on the transmission of coronavirus, the capacity of schools and the benefit to pupils – as well as the economic impact and how practical it is.
Ms Williams said: “As the Education Minister for Wales, I will make the decisions on how and when more pupils in Wales will return to school. Today I am sharing further information on how those decisions will be reached.
“Nothing would make me happier than seeing our classrooms full
again.
“But I want to be clear that this framework does not – and I will not – set an arbitrary date for when more pupils will return to school.
“Setting a date before we have more evidence, more confidence and more control over the virus would be the wrong thing to do.
“This will not be one decision but a series of decisions over time increasing, or if need be, decreasing operation.
“These changes will be complex, with many different considerations. I want the working document to be a stimulus for wider discussion and feedback.
“I am sharing this today to be as transparent as possible.
“I want everyone to know the extent of the issues related to the next phase.
“When we are ready to move into that next phase, I will ensure that there is enough time for preparation and for staff to carry out any necessary training.”
Margaret Davies, head teacher of St Christopher’s School in Wrexham, said: “We’ve been fortunate to be working alongside the Welsh Government and head teachers on our return-to-school plans.
“Basing plans on the most up-todate information and evidence has given me the confidence that, when we are ready to open our schools, this will be done as safely as possible.”
Gwenllian Lansdown-Davies, chief executive of Mudiad Meithrin, said: “I’m glad to be invited to contribute to the work, given the innate importance of the sector in its own right and how integral it will be to the reopenings of schools as well.”
Simon Pirotte, chief executive of Bridgend College, added: “Our Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, has been quite clear that the health and well-being of our staff and learners is paramount and decisions will be based on a solid bank of evidence.
“I’m confident that, through working together in Wales, we can manage this transition.”