The Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, has confirmed that primary schools in Wales may start reopening on 22 February.

 

The announcement comes ahead of the First Minster’s review of the Wales Alert Level 4 lockdown later today.

Most children’s schooling has been online while Wales is in lockdown. But Mark Drakeford will confirm the tough “alert level four” restrictions will remain for the next three weeks.

Kirsty Williams said: “I want to outline our intentions, as they stand, to be upfront and give plenty of notice to school and college staff, and of course, to learners and their parents and carers, so that you have as much time as possible to plan.

“The good news is that we are starting to see positive signs. Thanks to you following the rules and playing your part, we are collectively driving down transmission rates in the community. Unfortunately though, because of the wider NHS indicators, such as ICU bed occupancy, we still need to take a cautious approach. I can therefore confirm that there will be no further opening up of education this side of the half term and current arrangements will remain in place.

“However, when conditions allow, opening up education is the Welsh Government’s top priority. If rates of the virus continue to fall, we plan for pupils to begin returning from the 22 February, starting with our youngest learners in primary schools.

“While we’re trying to provide some clarity to parents, learners and teachers, we must all remember that this depends on the virus transmission rates continuing to fall and all of us doing our bit to keep Wales safe.

“I will update to confirm the position in plenty of time before half term. Subject to conditions we also plan on a return for some vocational learners in colleges after half term.

“We will also continue to prepare for the return of older school pupils over a longer time frame, working with teachers, local authorities and unions. We will make sure that parents are kept up-to-date.

“I would once again like to thank you all for what you’re doing to keep Wales safe and to keep Wales learning and I promise to keep you updated as and when decisions are made as we work to respond to this cruel virus. Diolch yn fawr.”