We are in an unprecedented period, one that is changing
hour-by-hour, and governments around the world are having to make
quick decisions.
Firstly, I would like to extend my gratitude to all those working
in our education and childcare settings for the critical work you
have been undertaking, under incredible pressure to support our
children and young people. You have been at the front-line in
supporting wider efforts to prepare for the challenges we are all
now facing and I am incredibly grateful and proud.
Today, I can announce we are bringing forward the Easter break
for schools in Wales. Schools across Wales will close for
statutory provision of education at the latest on 20 March 2020.
I have been clear up to now that the continuity of education and
the wellbeing of our learners has been at the heart of my
decision making. This will always be the case.
From next week, schools will have a new purpose. They will help
support those most in need, including people involved in the
immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak. I am working with
my colleagues in the Cabinet, with government officials and our
partners in local government to develop and finalise these plans.
The key areas we are looking at are supporting and safeguarding
the vulnerable and ensuring continuity of learning. We are
looking in detail at how we can support and safeguard all those
who benefit from free school meals and children with additional
learning needs. I will make sure you are kept up-to-date.
While this will apply to schools, childcare settings are expected
to remain open until we have definitive advice from the Chief
Medical Officer and from Public Health Wales that any closures
are required. Parents can, and should, speak with their usual
childcare providers if they need care over the Easter holidays
I have discussed my intentions with the Leader of the Welsh Local
Government Association, Andrew Morgan, who reflects the views of
local authorities. Some school staff will likely have an
important role to play in this. We are working closely with our
key stakeholders to look at what this will look like for both
education and childcare settings, including Flying Start. This
position will of course evolve over the coming days and will be
reviewed on an ongoing basis.
One of the critical decisions that we will seek to clarify with
urgency is that of the forthcoming examinations. I am also
working with Qualifications Wales and the WJEC about this year’s
exam series. In line with all education ministers across the UK,
I will be making a further announcement shortly.
From the outset, the decisions being taken have been focused on
public health advice, and it is right that these science-based
recommendations are front and centre of the decisions being made.
The announcement I am making today will help ensure an orderly
closure for schools so that they have the time to prepare.
However, I am conscious that the SAGE Committee and COBR meet
this afternoon, and I will of course be listening closely to see
if advice changes and any further urgent decisions about school
closures are needed.
Today’s decision will help ensure an orderly closure, so schools
have time to prepare ahead of the early break.
My main message for everyone is to stay safe and stay well. We
will work together and we will face this outbreak together.
I will of course continue to keep you updated.
Please follow the latest public health advice. The latest
guidance is always available on our website at
gov.wales/coronavirus.
