Families urged not to allow children to mix over half term as Covid rates remain high
Families are being urged not to allow their children to mix over half term as education officials said they were planning a phased return to school.
Wales has announced that under eights can start going back to their classrooms from next Monday, after half term.
But primary schools in the Wrexham County Borough, which includes Chirk, wont be returning until at least the Friday, February 26.
The council and headteachers are said to be carefully considering when it the right time for the foundation phase learners to return, as Wrexham continues to have the worst Covid rates in Wales.
They have agreed to review coronavirus levels after this week's half term before making a decision.
Key worker and vulnerable children will return after the break.
Wrexham council has urged parents not to let their children meet up with groups of children from other households - currently rules say individuals can only meet up with one other person for exercise outdoor.
Councillor Phil Wynn, Wrexham Council’s lead member for education, said: “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.”
Leader of the Council Mark Pritchard, said: “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.
Challenges
“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.”
Karen Evans, Chief Officer for Education and Early Intervention, said: “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.”
Powys Council Council says it is working towards Tuesday February 23 as the return to school date for the under eights.
Education officials have stressed that it the situation in the county worsens the date will be reconsidered.
