Under eights will return to school in Wales after half term
Schoolchildren aged between three and seven in Wales will return to the classroom from February 22, the country's education minister has confirmed.
Kirsty Williams said the post-half-term return was prioritised for the youngest learners because they were the least likely to transmit coronavirus, and found remote learning more difficult.
Today, Ms Williams told the Welsh Government's press briefing: "We have been clear that our children's education is a priority throughout this pandemic.
"Sadly, we are not yet in a position to be able to see a full return to school for every learner.
"However, thanks to people following our national guidance, there is sufficient headroom for us to bring back some of our learners in a phased, flexible and progressive way."
"As we all know, you only get one childhood, which is exactly why we are all working so hard to support young people back into schools so they can learn with their friends."
Headteacher at Chirk's Primary School, Ysgol y Waun, Mr John Roberts said "We now await Wrexham’s response to this news and, once agreed, will let parents know our plans to return our younger pupils back to school."
"Pupils in years 3-6 will continue to learn at home until further notice and keyworker children will still be able to attend school."
The education minister admitted that the move could contribute to an increase in positve Covid cases, and made a plea for pupils, parents and carers to continue to follow guidelines.
"By following the guidance restricting contact with others, we are ensuring children and young people are able to do what we all want, which is to be back learning with their friends," she said.
In Wales children of critical workers and vulnerable learners, those in special schools, as well as those taking assessments have been allowed to access classroom learning throughout the pandemic.
Ms Williams said from February 22 they would also be joined by small numbers of vocational learners, including apprentices, to colleges in order to access training or workplace environments for their practical qualifications.
She said the return to face-to-face learning would come alongside "additional measures" to provide staff with an added level of assurance for their safety, including the introduction of twice-weekly testing for staff and £5 million to support in safety items such as face coverings.
