Latest News

• Kirsty Williams Education Minister update

  Wed 18 Mar 2020 C Swann

  Firstly, I would like to extend my gratitude to all those working in our education and childcare settings for the critical work you have been undertaking, under incredible pressure to support our children and young people. You have been at the front-line in supporting wider efforts to prepare for the challenges we are all now facing and I am incredibly grateful and proud.

  Today, I can announce we are bringing forward the Easter break for schools in Wales. Schools across Wales will close for statutory provision of education at the latest on 20 March 2020.

  I have been clear up to now that the continuity of education and the wellbeing of our learners has been at the heart of my decision making. This will always be the case.

  From next week, schools will have a new purpose. They will help support those most in need, including people involved in the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak. I am working with my colleagues in the Cabinet, with government officials and our partners in local government to develop and finalise these plans.

  The key areas we are looking at are supporting and safeguarding the vulnerable and ensuring continuity of learning. We are looking in detail at how we can support and safeguard all those who benefit from free school meals and children with additional learning needs. I will make sure you are kept up-to-date.

  While this will apply to schools, childcare settings are expected to remain open until we have definitive advice from the Chief Medical Officer and from Public Health Wales that any closures are required. Parents can, and should, speak with their usual childcare providers if they need care over the Easter holidays

  I have discussed my intentions with the Leader of the Welsh Local Government Association, Andrew Morgan, who reflects the views of local authorities. Some school staff will likely have an important role to play in this. We are working closely with our key stakeholders to look at what this will look like for both education and childcare settings, including Flying Start. This position will of course evolve over the coming days and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

  One of the critical decisions that we will seek to clarify with urgency is that of the forthcoming examinations. I am also working with Qualifications Wales and the WJEC about this year’s exam series. In line with all education ministers across the UK, I will be making a further announcement shortly.

  From the outset, the decisions being taken have been focused on public health advice, and it is right that these science-based recommendations are front and centre of the decisions being made.

  The announcement I am making today will help ensure an orderly closure for schools so that they have the time to prepare. However, I am conscious that the SAGE Committee and COBR meet this afternoon, and I will of course be listening closely to see if advice changes and any further urgent decisions about school closures are needed.

  Today’s decision will help ensure an orderly closure, so schools have time to prepare ahead of the early break.

  My main message for everyone is to stay safe and stay well. We will work together and we will face this outbreak together.

  I will of course continue to keep you updated.

  Please follow the latest public health advice. The latest guidance is always available on our website at gov.wales/coronavirus

  First published

  18 March 2020

  Last updated

  18 March 2020

   

• Preparation for possible home learning

  Tue 17 Mar 2020 C Swann

  Advice update:

  School is open, but this remains a very dynamic situation. We are being updated regularly with the local picture as well as national messages coming out from the Prime Minister 's office.

  - Preparation for possible school closure:

  • staff are currently preparing learning opportunities which will be suitable for home learning
  • learning opportunities will be accessed through 'Google Classroom' via 'Google Drive', and teachers can access children's work to share feedback as appropriate. We will give further detail on Thursday or Friday.
  • We will be sending out login details for each child in order for them to access thier own learning. For Foundation Phase pupils, we anticipate that an adult will need to assist children to both gain access and engage in the learning. 
  • once your child has their unique login details, please can you check that it works and let us know if you come across any problems
  • similarly, if your child does not have access to a PC, laptop, ipad etc, please let the office know
  • tomorrow we aim to share a link giving further guidance

  Trips

  • Trips have been cancelled in order to keep both staff and children as safe as possible

   

  As ever, stay safe and keep well

• Coronavirus COVID-19

  Mon 16 Mar 2020 C Swann

  COVID-19 School Update 16.03.2020 (@20:00)

   

  Overriding message:

  Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) and Government at this time are advising that schools are to remain open. Further meetings are taking place tomorrow to ensure there is a common approach to any 'next steps'.

  As this is a fast moving situation, I will update you with further information once I have been informed of decisions.

  As a school, we are monitoring information from MCC, the NHS and Government throughout the day, as well as staying in close contact with schools in the area to inform our decisions.

  School actions:

  • Additional hand washing workshops have taken place today, using GlitterBug Cream and UV lights, led by a medical practitioner
  • We are minimising where possible any 'large group gatherings', for example, whole school collective worship is now classroom based
  • We are limiting visitors to the school to 'essential visitors' only and consequently, Parent Teacher Consultations for have been postponed (further details to follow in the next few weeks) 
  • Sporting fixtures and events are cancelled
  • Clubs that take place in school, with school staff will continue until further notice
  • Trips: Further information will be shared tomorrow
  • Please continue to monitor the health of yourself and your family, taking up to date advice if you feel unwell.  Please take care of yourselves.  http://phw.nhs.wales/

• CROSS COUNTRY - Postponed until later in the year

  Mon 16 Mar 2020

• ALL SPORTS inc Football & Hockey practices - Postponed until further notice

  Mon 16 Mar 2020