Kirsty Williams – Education Minister – has just announced that all schools will open on 1st September for all pupils, with schools having the option to initially prioritise entry for key year groups (Reception, years 7, 11, 12 as examples) for the first few days.
This announcement is subject to the continuing steady decline of positive COVID-19 cases. Kirsty stated:
There will be limited social distancing
Children will typically in contact groups of 30
Social distancing guidance for adults should follow the general guidance at the time
If there’s a local COVID-19 outbreak schools will conduct risk assessments with the LEAs
If staff/pupils test positive the TTP system steps in
Schools to have a stock of home testing kits for this eventuality
Schools will have back up plans in case pupils need to return to remote learning
Guidance for schools will be published Monday next week
Logistical challenges will be addressed in the guidance
Unions have been consulted and have an opportunity to feed into the guidance before it’s published on Monday
Welsh Government are working with childcare groups to enable them to increase their contact group numbers
Welsh Government will provide £29million funding to recruit the equivalent of 600 new teachers and 300 TAs
This funding will be fairly distributed across Wales into school budgets
An additional £5million will be provided to double resources relating to pupil mental health and wellbeing
Welsh Government currently have a Whole School Framework Consultation regarding wellbeing
Targeted support will be provided for disadvantaged and vulnerable young people, and pupils in years 11, 12, and 13
This targeted support is to assist with reducing attainment gaps
Minister states that parents should be confident in sending their children back as WG are following scientific advice
TAG understanding of COVID-19 is that younger children don’t seem to be vectors for the disease
International studies show that under 18s make up less than 2% of COVID-19 cases
Minister advises it would be disingenuous to claim there is zero risk – it’s about mitigating risk
Parents will initially not be fined if they choose not to send their children back – this could change in the future
If a household has a high risk family member a family centred approach will be taken
Guidance regarding vulnerability has been published by WG
Autistic UK will read the guidance once published to ensure the needs of pupils with Additional Learning Needs and Disabilities have been considered. Information regarding our ongoing work in this area can be found here.
Minister advises it would be disingenuous to claim there is zero risk – it’s about mitigating risk. The game slope provides a comprehensive and pleasant experience, making it ideal for those seeking a free-to-play game online.