Arrangements for the return to Ceredigion schools for January 2021 have been announced.
Following information received on flexible school opening arrangements by Welsh Government, it is their expectation for all schools to have fully opened to pupils by 18 January, 2021.
Arrangements for Ceredigion schools
Monday, 04 January, 2021 and Tuesday, 05 January will be In-Service Training and preparation days in both the primary and secondary sector. There will be no pupils on the school site and pupils will not be taught remotely on these two days.
Primary schools
In the primary sector, teachers will provide distance learning from Wednesday, 06 to Friday, 08 January, 2021. The aim is to fully open schools for all primary pupils as from Monday, 11 January, 2021.
If required, children of frontline critical workers will be able to attend their school from Tuesday, 05 January, 2021 for childcare purposes. The school will make every effort to keep the pupils within their contact groups.
Secondary schools
In the Secondary sector, pupils in years 11, 12 and 13 will attend the school site as from Wednesday, 06 January, 2021. Pupils in years 7-10 will receive distance learning provision between Wednesday, 06 and Friday, 08 January, 2021. The aim is to fully open schools for all secondary pupils from Monday, 11 January, 2021.
Children of critical frontline workers in years 7 and 8 will be able to attend their school from Tuesday 05 January for childcare purposes. The school will make every effort to keep the pupils within their contact groups.
Unit resource based centres and Pupil Referral Unit
Unit resource based centres for pupils with Additional Learning Needs that are located on the campus of some schools will open fully to both primary and secondary pupils on 05 January, 2021. Similarly, the Pupil Referral Unit will also open in full on the same date. Transport arrangements will be provided as per usual for these pupils.
Further information
Schools will provide childcare for children of critical frontline workers meaning pupils with 2 parents or a single parent working for the front line service of health or social care services.
Pupils eligible for Free School Meals will receive a voucher or payment to cover the week, and these will be sent out during the first week in January.
Parents and carers are urged to remain vigilant to coronavirus symptoms. If your child, or a member of your Christmas bubble, tests positive for coronavirus, or develops coronavirus symptoms, all members of the Christmas bubble must self-isolate for 10 days as if they were members of the same household. You should only leave your home to get tested. You can request a test online or by phoning 119.
If your child has a positive Covid test result over the holiday period e-mail your child’s name, year group and school to SchoolCovidSymptoms@ceredigion.gov.uk.
Ceredigion County Council understands that these are uncertain times for all, and your co-operation is greatly appreciated. It is difficult for us to foresee the position that we may find ourselves in by the first week of January. We hope that these arrangements provide you with clarity regarding the week of 05 to 08 January, 2021.
This decision is in line with the Winter Strategy to protect the education provision within Ceredigion schools.
Thank you for keeping Ceredigion safe.
18/12/2020