The Education Minister has announced that schools in Wales are reopening from 29 June 2020. The Government has said that going back to school before the summer holidays will be a chance to check in with students, prepare for summer and September.

Guidance for schools on keeping education safe has also been published to support schools and other settings ensure they are as safe as possible when pupils return.

What will be different?

The Minister has announced that only about one-third of students will be in school at any one time. There will also be staggered starts, lessons and breaks. Schools will also need to have social distancing measures in place.

In practice, much of the specific plans on how schools will work will be decided on locally. Schools are expected to do risk assessments to make sure the right safety measures are in place. These will also reflect what might need to be put in place for students with complex needs.

For example, the Welsh Government suggests that schools could consider operating one-way systems in corridors, and using more space that are directly accessible from outside, to avoid movement between rooms. Coedcae School will be sharing a virtual tour of its school and the new measures in place, to help students prepare to return.

The Welsh Government expects school learners to have the opportunity to attend school on three occasions before the summer holidays.

Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

In the Minister’s statement, she noted that many students with SEN who can currently go to a hub, aren’t taking up the opportunity to go. The Minister said:

“Often because it is a school environment which the child is not familiar with, often because the staff in those hubs by the very nature of them rotate all the time, and therefore there is a lack of continuity of staffing, many parents have felt that their children can’t cope in the hub scenario.”

The Minister went on to say that for children who are in this situation, they will be able to go back to their own school.

The guidance recognises that some students, including some with special educational needs, may not understand social distancing rules. Schools will be expected to make decisions based on what would be best for the child, in consultation with parents. It may be agreed that it is more appropriate for some to continue learning remotely. All schools are expected to provide clear communications to parents.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The Welsh Government guidance sets out the important of social distancing and hand hygiene. There is no expectation that PPE is worn during routine activities. However, there will be occasions where PPE is required, for example, in situations where someone is showing symptoms of coronavirus at school.

Students and families in receipt of shielding letters

The Government has confirmed children and young people who are considered extremely clinically vulnerable and ‘shielding’ should continue to shield and should not be expected to go to school.

Similarly, children and young people who live in a household with someone who is ‘shielding’ should only go to school if stringent social distancing can be followed and the child or young person is able to understand and follow those instructions. However, there is no expectation that these children should return to school.

Children who don’t return will continue to be supported by schools in different ways.

Do your children have to go back to school?

When asked about parents concerned about sending their child to school, the Minister said:

“I will respect the decision of any parent at this time and no parent will be fined for making decisions that are best for them and best for their family.”

The Welsh Government says children who stay at home will continue to be supported by their school in different ways.

School transport

The guidance says that where possible, parents and carers should travel with their children to and from school, and that school transport should be given to those who cannot attend without it, as a priority.

The requirement for Local Authorities to consider SEN students’ transport needs is still in force, and they will be expected to provide transport to those who are legally entitled to it. For others, your Local Authority will have the discretion to provide transport and will be expected to work with school to determine the demand.

Welsh Government Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about how schools can work from 29th June.

What will happen in September?

The Education Minister has announced that all pupils will be able to go back to school in September, with term starting on the 1 September and with 100% of pupils physically present.
The Welsh Government expects that procedures will be in place to keep people safe, including some limited social distancing and hygiene measures. Each school will also be provided with a supply of home testing kits.

Full guidance on how this will work will be published shortly.

What we’re doing

If you are worried about your child going back to school, or have questions about what’s happening, contact our Education Rights Service. They provide impartial and confidential information and support to families on school education rights and entitlements.

We’re also telling the Government about your experiences of lockdown and coming out of lockdown so it knows what life is like for autistic people and their families. If you want to share your experiences, and any worries or concerns you have, email us at stories@nas.org.uk.