Christmas holidays extended for children

As children officially break up from school today, they are being told to enjoy an extended Christmas holiday to enable teachers to plan for a safe reopening next term.

Following discussions with headteachers, early years officers and teaching unions, Powys County Council said that Monday 4 and Tuesday 5, January 2021 will be staff only days to allow schools and settings to prepare for the return of all pupils on Wednesday, January 6. Previously there was to be just one staff only day on the Monday.

The announcement comes in the wake of criticism for Powys education chiefs who u-turned on their decision to keep schools open until today by closing them all this week with an eleventh hour decision. 

It left parents and carers scrambling for cover with some having to break their Covid bubbles to secure supervision. 

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: “The new Spring term will soon be here and it is only right that we inform parents what the plans are for when learners return to their settings after the Christmas holidays.

“Planning and preparation days will now take place Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 January. These will be staff only days to allow schools and early year settings to review their risk assessments, processes and systems to ensure they can welcome learners back safely. 

“From Wednesday 6 January, all settings will open for learners to return.

“I must make it clear that we are still in the grip of this pandemic. Parents should continue to be on their guard for coronavirus and keep unwell children away from school and early year settings even if symptoms seem very mild.”