ASCL Cymru response to Welsh education minister’s statement on schools reopening

Commenting on Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams’ statement that the situation for schools in Wales will not change on June 1, Eithne Hughes, Director of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Cymru, said:

“We welcome Kirsty Williams’ statement that there will be no rushed reopening of schools in Wales on June 1, and that any decision to increase the operation of schools will be communicated well in advance.

“School and college leaders stand ready to bring in more pupils when the time is right and it is safe to do so. But this has to be based upon clear scientific advice and an action plan which sets out with great clarity exactly how this will be done safely and with the full confidence of parents, pupils and staff.

“There is not much time to carry out, communicate and implement this sort of detailed planning between now and June 1, and such a timetable would be difficult and risky.

“These concerns are shared widely among ASCL members in England too. We hope the Prime Minister takes note in his announcement on Sunday.”