Planning is underway, as Wrexham considers arrangements for reopening schools to foundation phase learners (3-7 years olds).
Welsh Government recently announced that schools could start to reopen for younger children from Monday, February 22.
Although coronavirus levels are falling in Wrexham, the figures are still very high, so the council and headteachers are carefully considering plans, while continually monitoring the local situation.
In light of this cautious approach, children will not be returning to schools in Wrexham until Friday, February 26 at the very earliest – depending on local coronavirus levels after half-term.
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Cautious approach
Headteachers will share more detailed information with parents and carers after the half-term holiday, once coronavirus levels have been reviewed.
And even then, the council and headteachers will continue to monitor local levels, and will review arrangements if needed.
This is particularly important given the continuing high levels of coronavirus in the area.
Get the latest info on the Covid-19 vaccination roll out in Wrexham and North Wales.
Councillor Phil Wynn, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Education, says:
“Coronavirus levels have been much worse in Wrexham compared to many other parts of Wales in recent weeks, so this is a cautious approach we’re taking.
“We’ll monitor the local situation continually, and will work with schools to review and finalise arrangements after half-term.
“Foundation phase learners will not return until February 26 at the very earliest, and headteachers will keep parents fully informed.
“It’s all about helping to keep people safe, and the wellbeing of our pupils, staff, parents, carers and wider communities is our priority.”
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, adds:
“We’re working with primary head teachers, school governors, Public Health Wales and Welsh Government to make sure the return to school is both safe and sustainable.
“We must remember that this is a terrible virus, and we can’t afford to drop our guard.
“This is why it’s so important that we work in partnership to keep our children, school employees and the communities where our schools are located as safe as we possibly can.”
Careful planning
Karen Evans, Chief Officer for Education and Early Intervention, says:
“With the council’s support, schools will be planning carefully for the return of foundation phase pupils, taking into account the local situation after half-term.
“I’d also like to reiterate our thanks to parents and carers of older children, who will continue to learn from home.
“We know that remote-learning presents many challenges for families trying to manage work and home responsibilities, and we’re truly grateful to parents, children and staff for their continued efforts.”
How you can help
If your children do return to school in the coming weeks, please help keep our schools and communities safe by following these rules:
- Please don’t car-share when picking up or collecting children.
- Please don’t congregate at the school gates (don’t hang around any longer than you need to).
- Please don’t let your children meet up with groups of children from other households outside of school (the current rules say you can only meet up with one other person for exercise outdoors).
Get the facts…read the latest NHS Wales Covid-19 vaccination info for Wrexham and North Wales.
GET THE FACTS
