Laura Doel, director of school leaders union NAHT Cymru, which
represents leaders in the majority of schools in Wales, said:
“As school leaders we want nothing more than to see more children
back in school and we all appreciate the struggle it has been for
some parents and learners when it comes distance learning for the
youngest children.
“However, this has to be done in a cautious and phased approach.
To do otherwise would risk the situation once again deteriorating
and efforts to securing a full return thwarted.
“Therefore we are bitterly disappointed that despite the Welsh
Government pledging to work closely with professional
associations and trade unions about their proposal, we are once
again in the position of having decisions imposed upon the sector
whilst there are too many questions left unanswered.
“We have not been provided with the rationale for this decision
or definitive scientific evidence to support what we consider to
be the rushed and premature wider re-opening of schools.
“Satisfactory operational guidance setting out realistic
additional mitigation measures to keep both staff and pupils safe
is yet to be produced or published. This information and measures
are critical for school leaders to have in order that they can
review risk assessments, operational staffing and other practical
arrangements.
“Without this, we are of the firm belief that the Welsh
Government will not secure the confidence of parents or the
education workforce, which places school leaders in an impossible
position.
“We had called upon the Welsh Government to pause any
announcement because of our concerns, however this call was
effectively ignored. Despite this, we are continuing to press
Welsh Government officials to meet with us and take the necessary
steps to ensure that any wider reopening of schools is carried
out in a reasonable and rationale way considering all factors.”
