Plans for January school return
Work to plan a safe and organised return for all learners in the New Year is ongoing, Powys County Council has said.
The council is working with all its schools to ensure that all pupils will return safely after the Christmas holidays.
Following discussions with headteachers, early years officers and teaching unions, it has been agreed that Monday 4 and Tuesday 5, January 2021 will be staff only days to allow schools and settings to prepare for the return of all pupils on Wednesday, 6 January.
Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said; “As we approach the end of term and the end of 2020, I would like to headteachers, school staff and early years staff for their hard work and dedication in these extraordinary circumstances.
“This has been an extremely challenging and difficult year where everyone has had to adjust and adapt in response to the pandemic.
“The new Spring term will soon be here and it is only right that we inform parents what the plans are for when learners return to their settings after the Christmas holidays.
“Planning and preparation days will now take place Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 January. These will be staff only days to allow schools and early year settings to review their risk assessments, processes and systems to ensure they can welcome learners back safely.
“From Wednesday 6 January, all settings will open for learners to return.
“I must make it clear that we are still in the grip of this pandemic. Parents should continue to be on their guard for coronavirus and keep unwell children away from school and early year settings even if symptoms seem very mild.
“The return to school in January needs to be as safe as possible for all of our learners and our staff. The restrictions that will take effect on Monday 28 December across Wales are designed to make the country safer.
“I am urging every family to follow the latest Coronavirus rules so that our schools can get off to a flying start on Wednesday 6 January 2021 and be as safe as possible for all.
“I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas break and look forward to seeing children and young people back in schools and early year settings in January.”