The Welsh Government has today published a document setting out
how it is considering the next phase for schools, in response to
COVID-19.
The Education Minister, , has described the
working document as “setting out our current thinking” for how
schools, other education settings and childcare providers’
operations will change to allow social distancing and other
factors.
Most schools have been closed since the start of the pandemic,
with some open for the children of critical workers and
vulnerable children.
The Decision framework for the next phase of education
and childcare builds on the five principles
published by the Minister last month.
The Welsh Government is working with scientists, public health
experts, teachers, education providers, trade unions and local
authorities to consider the options for the next phase for
schools and settings with similar challenges, such as childcare
providers and further education colleges.
The First Minister today published a ‘roadmap’ for how the
Welsh Government will move out of the lockdown phase.
said:
“As the Education Minister for Wales, I will make the decisions
on how and when more pupils in Wales will return to school.
Today I am sharing further information on how those decisions
will be reached.
“Nothing would make me happier than seeing our classrooms full
again. But I want to be clear that this framework does not –
and I will not - set an arbitrary date for when more pupils
will return to school. Setting a date before we have more
evidence, more confidence and more control over the virus would
be the wrong thing to do.
"This will not be one decision but a series of decisions over
time increasing, or if need be, decreasing operation. These
changes will be complex, with many different considerations. I
want the working document to be a stimulus for wider discussion
and feedback.
“I am sharing this today to be as transparent as possible. I
want everyone to know the extent of the issues related to the
next phase.
“When we are ready to move into that next phase, I will ensure
that there is enough time for preparation and for staff to
carry out any necessary training.”
Margaret Davies, Head of St Christopher’s School in Wrexham,
said:
“We’ve been fortunate to be working alongside the Welsh
Government and head teachers on our return to school plans.
Basing plans on the most up-to-date information and evidence
has given me the confidence that, when we are ready to open our
schools, this will be done as safely as possible.
Gwenllian Lansdown-Davies, Chief Executive of Mudiad Meithrin,
said:
“I’m glad to be invited to contribute to the work, given the
innate importance of the sector in its own right and how
integral it will be to the re-openings of schools as well.”
Simon Pirotte, Chief Executive of Bridgend College, added:
“Our Education Minister, , has been quite clear
that the health and well-being of our staff and learners is
paramount and decisions will be based on a solid bank of
evidence. I’m confident that, through working together in
Wales, we can manage this transition”
