, Minister for
Education: Our latest understanding of the rate of
transmission of COVID-19 allows us to be hopeful but still requires
us to be cautious. This statement is to update Members on the
planning work for the next phase for schools.
School provision will adapt and extend further in the next phase,
in line with timely Welsh Government changes to the current
restrictions. In planning for that next phase for schools, there
are a set of key principles for decision-making:
- The safety, and mental, emotional, physical wellbeing of
students and staff
- Continuing contribution to the national effort and strategy
to fight spread of Covid-19
- Having the confidence of parents, staff and students – based
on evidence and information – so that they can plan ahead
- Ability to prioritise learners at key points, including those
from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Consistency with the Welsh Government’s framework for
decision making, to have guidance in place to support measures
such as distancing, managing attendance and wider protective
actions
It is important to remember that many schools settings are open –
providing a vital service for the children of critical workers
and our more vulnerable learners. Therefore I do not want to
refer to a ‘reopening’ or a ‘return’, we are planning for a ‘new
normal’.
Last week, the First Minister published a framework and seven key
questions to help lead Wales out of the coronavirus pandemic and
the operation of schools will be considered in this wider
context.
It is vital that parents, staff and students have confidence in
returning to their setting. We will only be taking the next step
for schools when the evidence and advice is that this is the
right thing to do.
In the next phase, schools will not immediately return to
operating at full capacity. It will be a phased approach. This
means that I do not expect that schools will be open for all
pupils, in all year groups, all week.
The ongoing challenge of COVID-19 means we will prepare schools
for a range of scenarios for the foreseeable future. However
unlikely, we must prepare for an eventuality that requires
schools to reduce operations at specific future points.
We have, and are developing, a broad evidence base to inform
these decisions. This draws on the latest health evidence, wider
international experience, understanding of the workforce’s
current capacity and health and well-being impacts on all staff
and children in schools. My officials are working with
counterparts from across the governments of the UK, and with
colleagues across our education sector (including further and
higher education), on these matters.
I will communicate (any) decision to change the operation of
schools well in advance of any required action. The Government
will provide further guidance to help with the transition to the
temporary conditions that will be required for schools during
that time.
I would like to thank the all those working hard to ensure that
schools and hubs are able to provide support for those who need
it. As I have said previously, our teachers, support staff and
childcare workers have proved themselves to be national heroes.
