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In a message posted on her Twitter
account, said:
“As you’ll know, there is a lot of speculation about what
may or may not be announced regarding schools in England
this weekend.
“As I have said before, you will always hear directly
from me on the decisions we make in Wales for our pupils,
parents and school staff.
“The situation for schools in Wales will not change on 1
June. You have my guarantee that we will give everyone
time to plan ahead of a next phase starting.
“Any decision to increase the operation of schools will
be communicated well in advance. We are working closely
with local authorities to ensure that schools are
supported in this preparation work.
“In the meantime, critical workers and those who need to
use schools or hubs for your children should continue do
so.
“We will continue to be guided by the very latest
scientific advice and will only look to have more pupils
and staff in schools when it is safe to do so. We will,
of course, need to ensure that social distancing
requirements can be adhered to.”
The Minister has also written to all of the main teaching
unions in the UK and Ireland, in response to their
concerns that schools will be open to most pupils before
it is safe to do so.
Next week, the Minister will publish a working document
which sets out more of the thinking, planning and
modelling for the next steps for education in Wales,
including childcare and further education. The document
will include how key decisions will be reached and who
will providing advice on those decisions.
The Minister reiterated that the five key principles she
previously set out to determine when and how schools will
return to providing education for most school pupils will
remain in place.
She said:
“Of my five principles the first, and most important, is
the safety and mental, emotional and physical wellbeing
of students and staff.”
The Minister set out her five key principles
on 27 April, which are:
- The safety and mental, emotional and physical
wellbeing of students and staff
- Continuing contribution to the national effort and
strategy to fight the 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.
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