Skip to main content

Schools to re-open from 29th June









Today Kirsty Williams MS, Welsh Liberal Democrat Education Secretary, has unveiled her plans to begin a phased re-opening of schools from 29th June.

All children will have the opportunity to ā€œCheck in, Catch Up, Prepare for summer and Septemberā€. It is proposed that all schools will start the next phase on the 29th June, with the term extended by a week, therefore ending on 27th July. 

In each school there will be a phased approach. Year groups will be split into cohorts with staggered starts, lessons and breaks. It is expected that this will mean, at most, a third of pupils present at any one time, though schools may need time to reach this level of operation.

There will be much smaller classes, providing secure dedicated time with teachers and classmates. This time will include online and personalised classroom experience, getting children and teachers ready for a similar experience in September.

Further Education colleges are ensuring that appropriate measures are being taken to re-open for face-to-face learning from 15th June. They will prioritise those students requiring licence to practice assessments and vulnerable learners. This follows close working with Government and the joint trade unions.

Guidance for childcare providers will also be published in the next week, supporting them to increase the numbers of children in attendance alongside schools.

Kirsty Williams MS said:

ā€œMy announcement today gives schools three and a half weeks to continue preparing for the next phase. We will use the last weeks of the summer term to make sure pupils, staff and parents are prepared ā€“ mentally, emotionally and practically ā€“ for the new normal in September.

ā€œ29th of June means that there will have been one full month of test, trace and protect, which will continue to expand. I can also announce that teachers will be a priority group in our new antibody-testing programme. As we continue to keep Wales safe, this approach will be critical.

ā€œThe evolving science suggests that warm weather and sunlight gives us the best opportunity to ensure more time in school. Waiting until September would mean almost half a year without schooling. That would be to the detriment to the wellbeing, learning progress and mental health of our young people.

ā€œThis is and has been a worrying period for us all. I know that many will feel apprehensive. We have not rushed this work and this decision. The three and a half week period before the next phase also gives us time to keep watch on developments elsewhere and provides further check-points to review evidence and the roll-out of testing.

ā€œThis is the best practical option that meets my five principles which underpin my decision making. Working together we will secure equity and excellence for pupils as they check in, catch up, and prepare for summer and September.ā€

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds added:

"Once again Kirsty Williams is setting the bar with regards to how a Government should be communicating at times like this.

"She has clearly laid out her plans, and the rationale behind them, in an upfront manner. This will give parents, children and teaching staff the reassurance they need.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats are committed to getting our children back in the classroom and learning as soon as possible, but only when it is safe to do so.

"I am therefore pleased to see that no child is forced to go back, especially those who are shielding themselves or who have family that are shielding.ā€

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Ed Davey writes: I want to rebuild our party and take on the Tories

  we wrap up the Liberal Democrat leadership election, I wanted to thank the thousands of people who have taken part in hustings, sent in questions to the campaigns and engaged in this contest. Itā€™s absolutely right that there is a robust process that properly tests our next leader, and makes sure that whoever wins on Thursday has been put through their paces by the party. Whatever happens later this week, I know that Liberal Democrats will come together and turn our hand to doing what we do best, getting out campaigning and standing up for communities up and down the country. If you havenā€™t returned your ballot yet then there is still time to vote for me so that we can rebuild our party on solid foundations, and campaign for a fairer, greener and more caring society. Thatā€™s my vision for the future of our party, and I know Iā€™ve got the experience we need to deliver it.  With your support, I want to rebuild our party and take on the Tories, and put ...

Jane Dodds - Aberpergwm Coal Mine Expansion Must be Stopped

  he Welsh Liberal Democrats have reiterated their opposition to the expansion of Aberpergwm Coal Mine in Neath Port Talbot Council. Addressing a protest in front of the Senedd Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds stated that if we are to stand any hope of tackling climate change before itā€™s too late, the coal must be left in the ground.   The protest in front of the Senedd in Cardiff saw multiple Welsh climate groups attend.   The expansion of Aberpergwm Coal Mine has been at the centre of a row between the UK and Welsh Governments, with the Welsh Government claiming it does not have the legal authority to block the mineā€™s expansion, while the UK Coal Authority has insisted that the Welsh Government could in fact stop the development.   The new license, which was approved by the Coal Authority in January will allow Aberpergwm Mine to extract another forty million tonnes of coal. The development could release up to 1.17 million tonnes of very strong g...

New Zealand Trade Deal Will Damage Rural Communities

Responding to the news that the UK Government has concluded the signing of a trade deal with New Zealand, removing trade barriers between the two countries, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have said the deal will cause damage to rural communities and the Welsh agricultural industry. Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader and Senedd Member for Mid & West Wales Jane Dodds said: "The UK Government has negotiated a trade agreement that will actively damage Welsh farming communities and will bring next to no tangible benefits to our local economies.   "The Conservatives have proven that they are utterly unable to negotiate trade deals that boost the UK economy and unfortunately this agreement is no exception. The economic benefits are a drop in the ocean, and they will do nothing to mitigate the damage from the red tape and paperwork caused by Boris Johnson's shambolic EU trade deal. "Instead of delivering Global Britain, this Government is selling Welsh farmers...