Parents and carers are being reassured that it will be a safe and organised return to school this week for the first cohort of returning pupils.
Children aged three to seven (Early Years and Reception classes and Years One and Two) step into the classroom for the first time this year as a whole, with Powys County Council and Powys Teaching Health Board writing to parents of returning pupils with advice and guidance to help keep families safe.
Stuart Bourne, Powys Teaching Health Board’s Director of Public Health, said: “I know that parents will have been worried about the impact that not being at school has had on their children’s wellbeing, their friendships and their opportunity to grow and develop through a range of in and out of school activities whether that is sport, music, dance, arts or other activities.
“The steps that we have had to take as a society to protect those who are most at risk and to ensure that our health and care services can continue to care for us when we need them have been difficult but necessary.
“The success of our local vaccination programme continues to provide additional protection to those who are most at risk and we will continue our efforts to reach everyone who needs a vaccination as quickly as we can.
“We are not able to relax yet, we still need to be careful and keep the levels of infection as low as possible.”
Cllr Phyl Davies, PCC Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: “The safety of our learners and school staff is our main priority.
“Our schools are still open for children of critical workers as well as vulnerable learners in all age groups. However, a phased approach to opening schools is important to ensure the safety of our learners and staff, therefore other year groups need to remain at home.
While headteachers and their staff have prepared the schools to be as safe as possible, the following guidelines should also be followed by parents and carers
· Not sending your child to school if they are unwell even if you are not sure if it is Coronavirus
- Continue to work at home if at all possible
- Don’t invite other children to your home to play, even outdoors and even if they are in the same bubble at school
- Unless you have no choice, do not accept an offer of a lift to school or other activities from other parents
- When you take your child to school – keep your distance from other parents and don’t be tempted to hang around and chat
- Make sure your child understands the importance of washing their hands regularly