NAHT Cymru comments on wider return to schools on 15 March

Commenting on the wider return to schools in Wales on 15 March, Laura Doel, director of NAHT Cymru, said:

“We want nothing more than schools to reopen for all children, but only as long as the science supports that it is safe to do so. The return must be sustainable to avoid further disruption to children’s education, which means everyone continuing to adhere to the rules.

“Understandably, there’s been some anxiety around bringing in more children to school as previously there had been an increase in Covid-19 cases associated with schools being open. We remain disappointed that the Welsh Government did not choose to vaccinate school staff, who, as a frontline workforce, should have been prioritised after the most vulnerable in our communities had received their jabs.

“Sick teachers would mean further disruption to pupils’ education and could mean they need to learn from home again, further delaying the start of the long road to education recovery and filling attainment gaps among children.

“School leaders and their staff are working with parents and local authorities to overcome some of the operational challenges that remain in terms of allowing teachers to have time for planning, preparation and assessment while adhering to Welsh Government guidance on contact groups.

“The education profession is leading the way out of lockdown in Wales and through what needs to be a long-term, fully funded strategy to see what each child in our care now needs.”