Photo: Councillor Richard John, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People

Monmouthshire County Council has today welcomed plans by the Education Minister to allow schools, that can do so safely, to reopen from the first week of September, with all schools reopening from September 14^th.

Local plans and preparations are underway between Monmouthshire County Council and schools in the area to review risk assessments, processes and systems. This will ensure individual schools can welcome pupils back safely, in line with guidance by Welsh Government.

Schools which can do so will reopen from the first week of term. Some specific groups of learners might need to be prioritised during this week, such as year 7, 12, 13 and Special Units for secondary, special units for early years and year 6. Parents will receive more specific information from their school and Monmouthshire County Council as it becomes available.

From September 14 ^th, school attendance will be compulsory. Parents are asked to contact their school if a pupil is unable to attend to discuss their situation further.

Each school setting will have local challenges to address, including staffing levels. Work is underway with colleagues to confirm school transport arrangements. Monmouthshire County Council will work closely with all schools to overcome such issues.

Welsh Government has also announced £29million to boost support for learners to minimise the impacts of the disruption due to the ongoing crisis. The equivalent of 600 extra teachers and 300 teaching assistants will be recruited across Wales throughout the next school year, targeting extra support at years 11, 12 and 13, as well as disadvantaged and vulnerable learners of all ages. Monmouthshire County Council will be working with schools to clarify the details.

Councillor Richard John, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “The last few months have been an emotionally challenging time for children, young people and their families as parents have sought to juggle work and childcare. I warmly welcome the Minister’s plan to allow schools to safely welcome all pupils back full time in September in line with all necessary safety measures and Welsh Government guidance.

“We recognise that hardworking staff in our schools, learners and their families have been placed under considerable emotional, financial and psychological pressure during this incredibly challenging time. Monmouthshire is continuing to work closely with our schools and childcare settings to consider how best to support the ongoing well-being needs of all children and young people.

“I’d also like to thank all our teachers and school staff for the work they’ve done in recent months to stay in touch with their pupils, run our successful hubs and offer distance learning opportunities.

“We are very aware that pupils’ learning has been severely disrupted by the crisis. I welcome the £29million pledge by the Welsh Government to recruit extra staff to support the recovery phase, minimise the impact on pupils and continue the ongoing work to raise school standards.”–