Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has welcomed an announcement by the Welsh Education Minister than more children will be able to return to school before Easter and will be encouraging Denbighshire County Council to ensure that children in the Vale of Clwyd are offered this opportunity.
Previously the Welsh Government had said all primary pupils, years 10, 11, 12 and 13 and some college students could return for face-to-face teaching from 15 March "in a flexible way", but that youngers pupils in years 7,9 and 9 would not return to the classroom until after the Easter break.
However, in a partial u-turn, the Welsh Education Minister has said that schools will be able to welcome pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 for "time with teachers" before they are due back fully from mid-April.
James has welcomed the move and is calling on Denbighshire Council to ensure these “check-in” sessions are provided to children in these year groups in the Vale of Clwyd.
He said:
“Returning our children to the classroom is essential for both their education and mental health and well-being.
“In the past 12 months they have missed out on a substantial amount of in person learning and it is paramount that we get them back in school as soon as we can.
“There was much backlash when the Education Minister first announced that children in years 7,8 and 9 would not be returning until after Easter, particularly when all children are returning to school in England on March 8th. I raised this matter with the Prime Minister in the House of Commons chamber last week and am pleased the Welsh Government have listened. Subject to the scientific advice at the three-week review of coronavirus regulations on 12th March, schools will now be able to give 11 to 14-year-olds time with teachers before the Easter holiday starts on 29th March.
“This will be extremely beneficial to children who have been learning from home now since the start of the year and I will be encouraging Denbighshire County Council to ensure that these sessions are available to all school children in these year groups in the Vale of Clwyd.”
