Updated guidance published for schools’ return

ON MONDAY, July 13, the Welsh Government published updated guidance to support schools before the return of all pupils in September.
Last Thursday, the Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, announced that all learners would be able to return to schools in the autumn.
The guidance will supports schools, local authorities and settings to implement full operations in the autumn, including new guidance on contact groups.
The Welsh Government will make £29 million available to ‘recruit, recover and raise standards’, in response to the pandemic.
Kirsty Williams, the Minister for Education, said: “This updated guidance reflects the latest medical and scientific advice, striking a balance between structured national guidance and local flexibility.
“We have learned this year that we must be prepared for a range of scenarios. This guidance sets out what learning priorities should remain constant, regardless of where learning takes place.
“It will support our schools and education settings in ensuring learners continue to access a broad and balanced curriculum and continue to make progress in their learning.
“I would like to thank our local authorities and the trade unions for their input into this guidance, and of course our school staff for their dedication, professionalism and hard work over the last few months, which has set us in good stead for a full return in September.”
Laura Doel, director of school leaders’ union NAHT Cymru, said: “We welcome the fact that schools now have a degree of clarity about what the September return will look like. Schools can now begin to put plans in place to welcome all pupils back next term. However, we should not underestimate the scale of the logistical challenges this guidance will pose school leaders in particular. We should make no mistake, this is not a return to ‘business as usual’ and there is a great deal of work that now needs to be done.
“There are some specific areas where we still need clarity from the Welsh government. These include their recommendations around the use of face coverings, and how they expect wrap-around care to operate.
“It is essential the Welsh government continues to engage with us on these and other matters too so that schools and parents alike have full confidence in the government’s plan for a full return in September.
“Education Minister Kirsty Williams and Co-chair of TAC Fliss Bennee are joining our NAHT Cymru webinar tomorrow evening where school leaders will have the opportunity to put their questions to them directly and we welcome the willingness and transparency of Welsh Government to engage with the profession.”
David Evans, Wales secretary for the National Education Union Cymru said: “Our members, as well as learners and their parents and carers, want to see as many children as possible going back to school, but only if it is safe to do so.
“We note the plans for a wider return to school in September, with priority given to certain year groups and more disadvantaged children. We will be working with our members to try and make the return as safe as possible for everyone involved. The two weeks at the start of term to plan for the safest return possible is therefore very welcome.
“We believe having a blended learning approach as ‘back-up’ is sensible. Even when schools open fully, they may have to close again if there is a further outbreak as happened in Leicester recently, therefore having blended learning ready to use is sensible. For this blended learning approach to be successful, children will need help to get online, with access to a computer and internet, which, as we understand, some children currently do not have. Parents may need some extra training, to help support their children when learning at home.
“An increase in the education workforce is welcome. We believe that supply staff and those new to the profession will welcome the opportunity to provide extra support for those pupils who need it at this challenging time.
“We do believe that as more children will be welcomed back to school, Local Authorities should consider the use of public buildings, such as libraries, to ensure greater capacity for social distancing and focus on everyone’s wellbeing. More space would allow education professionals and learners better opportunities to keep safe and we look forward to seeing more guidance around this. This would also allow education professionals who are shielding to support learners at home, whilst keeping safe – and avoiding pressure on our precious NHS resources.
“We support the proposal not to impose fines for parents of children who don’t attend.
“Many education staff have been in school since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, and we are very aware that, like the young people, they need to have a break ahead of another busy term in September. The two weeks at the start of term to plan for the safest return possible is therefore very welcome.”