COVID-19: Reopening Schools

Part of 5. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:09 pm on 24 June 2020.

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Photo of Kirsty Williams Kirsty Williams Liberal Democrat 3:09, 24 June 2020

Presiding Officer, Siân Gwenllian is absolutely right to acknowledge the hard work of headteachers the length and breadth of Wales, who have planned so diligently with their staff to provide these opportunities. Members will be aware that I did indeed propose that the summer term should be extended by an additional week and, in lieu of staff working that additional week, that half term in October should be extended by one week. But, as Siân will know, the Welsh Government and I are not the employers in this situation. The employers are the local authorities. That is a matter of fact. If Plaid Cymru have a different way of organising Welsh education in the future, of course, they will be able to make that case. The role of the Welsh Local Government Association was clearly acknowledged in their statement that welcomed my proposals.

Clearly, individual local authorities, on the basis of individual, local circumstances, have come to the conclusion that they will offer three weeks. I am still of the mind that we should maximise and take every advantage of these summer months to increase and provide as much contact face to face between children and their schools at this time. But, I have to acknowledge that local authorities will have made individual decisions. However, I think we should reflect on the issues that—. As I said, individual headteachers and individual members of staff and indeed support staff have been incredibly flexible during this pandemic, working over Easter holidays, half term holidays, weekends, bank holidays to provide care and support for our children at this time, and many are willing to go above and beyond, as ever, in providing support for children.