2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:38 pm on 2 March 2021.

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Photo of Paul Davies Paul Davies Conservative 2:38, 2 March 2021

Trefnydd, can I echo Laura Anne Jones's request, and ask the Minister for Education to now make a statement regarding the reopening of schools across Wales? I appreciate that a phased return for children has now begun, but I'm also receiving representations from parents in my constituency who are frustrated that some of their children are unable to return to school, and are understandably worried about the impact that their prolonged absence from the classroom may have on their studies. Parents I speak to now want clarity as to when their children will be able to return to school, because, without further clarity from the Government, there is a possibility that some children will not return to the classroom until after Easter. And given that this is supposedly a priority for the Government, then surely that's not good enough.

Now, as was mentioned earlier, the Welsh Government's own criteria in its alert level system confirms that schools in level 4 can stay open. And with the vaccination programme now making significant progress, it's vital that children and younger learners are able to return to school as soon as possible. And I heard your earlier response to this issue, but I believe it's important now that the Government provides clarity on this matter. And I'd be grateful, therefore, if the Minister for Education could now provide an urgent update to Members on the Welsh Government's specific plans to enable learners to return to school, so that parents can have some clarity and understanding about when their children can return to the classroom.