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Dear Parent/ Carer
I am writing to you in relation to the reopening arrangements for schools in January 2021. Unfortunately, the current situation with the increasing transmission of Covid-19 across Wales makes it very difficult for us to predict the impact it will have on staffing levels in our schools following the Christmas break. Our priority is to minimise disruption to our children and young people’s education as much as possible.
However, we recognise that schools will need to assess their staffing levels at the beginning of the new term and as a result some flexibility will be required depending on local circumstances.
As a result, all schools in Swansea will be closed to pupils on 4th and 5th January. This will allow school to assess levels of staff availability, to review all risk assessments and to consider any further requirements in relation to the planning of the spring term. Your school will contact you to confirm arrangements from 6th January onwards but it is expected that most schools will be able to welcome all pupils back by 11th January if circumstances allow.
It may be that only a few classes can return, and some pupils will receive their education remotely. Onsite support will be available for children of critical workers and vulnerable learners; however, as before this service must only be used where all other options have been exhausted. This is to protect the wellbeing of pupils and staff in the schools. Please contact your school for further information.
I hope this information provides you with some clarity on the return to school, however, your school will be able to give you further information at the start of January. I know this term has not been easy and I would like to thank you for your continued co-operation and support. It is vital we do all we can to try and reduce the spread of the virus, and we must continue to follow the guidance to protect both ourselves and others.
I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Regards,
Helen Morgan-Rees
Interim Director of Education
Dear Parent/ Carer
Once again, thank you for your support during this critical period in a public health crisis.
Infection rates are at record levels and we all need to play our part to bring this situation under control and quickly. If infections continue to rise at the current rate then there is a very real danger the local system will be overwhelmed during the festive period.
As a result of the Chief Medical Officer in Wales’ advice overnight, secondary schools across Wales will switch to blended/remote learning from Monday 14 December 2020.
In Swansea, school sites will be open with all school staff expected to deliver learning from a distance. Provision for vulnerable children will be available at each school and if critical workers need childcare for those in years 7 and 8 then each secondary school will make that provision.
Please speak to your local school if you have concerns. Your child’s school can tell you more about how learning will be delivered next week. Please can I emphasise that your child needs to be at home and learning until 18 December.
Children needing to be on site should bring their own packed lunch. Further details on FSM payments and food bag deliveries for FSM pupils will be announced on 14 December 2020.
Following representation from primary headteachers, consideration of attendance figures and particularly the 10 day rule on isolation before Christmas, Swansea Council has revised its position. A move to blended learning is also the right thing to do in primary schools, special schools and the PRU given our local circumstances. Again, each primary school site will remain open until 18 December 2020 with staff expected to continue working on delivering distance learning from the school to home.
More details will follow on FSM bags or payments for the week commencing 14 December 2020. 10 December 2020 Every school will be expected to provide for the most vulnerable learners who need face to face support.
Critical workers should contact their own school for childcare provision, if needed. Children needing to be on school site should bring a packed lunch with them or order a food bag via the school.
Regards
Helen Morgan-Rees
Interim Director of Education