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Falling infection rates in Wales means more year-old groups will return to the classroom before Easter holidays, Education Minister Kirsty Williams announced.
Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils will have time to go back to school before the holidays as the Welsh Government has said there is more scope to allow it.
However, they are not likely to be full time and Ms. Williams says the goal is to give students in those age groups the opportunity to “communicate with teachers” with a “focus on wellness support.” to prepare them for a full Return after the Easter holidays on April 12.
The expected return of the younger secondary school students would be in addition to all primary school students, who are expected to return as of March 15, along with students in years 10 and 12, those in exam years and students with similar qualifications in universities.
The youngest primary school students have been able to return to their classrooms since Monday, February 22.
The plans will be subject to the regular three-week review of coronavirus regulations by the Government of Wales on Friday, March 12.
Ms Williams said: “Openness to education is a top priority for us in the Welsh government and I am pleased to share some positive news on that front today.
“This is the second week that our youngest students have returned to school and I have seen first hand the difference this is already making. Thanks once again to everyone who is making it possible.
“We have already announced that as of March 15, if scientific advice still says it is safe to do so, all remaining elementary school children will begin to return to school, along with those in exam years and students. who perform similar qualifications at work-based learning universities. There will also be flexibility for those in years 10 and 12.
“I have also shared my intention that all students return to schools, colleges and training providers after the Easter break.
“Today I can confirm our intentions to go even further, even earlier, and give the schools the opportunity to welcome the 7th, 8th and 9th grade students before Easter break.
“This would be to give students the opportunity to communicate with teachers, with a focus on supporting wellness and preparing for a full return to school after Easter.
“I want to make it clear now that this will not be a full return to school during the 7th, 8th and 9th years before Easter.
“Before Easter, the focus will be on students who are pursuing qualifications, especially those in Year 11 and Year 13, and those studying practical professional qualifications.”
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The complete guide on how schools can prepare for the return of children will be released at 9am on Wednesday.
Ms. Williams added: “We will also host more virtual sessions for bosses, which I know you have found helpful, and I will share details on social media.
“I would like to thank you all once again for following the rules, reducing the spread of the virus, and giving us even more scope for students to return to our schools and colleges.
“Together we will keep Wales safe and together, we will keep Wales learning.”
All schools in England are expected to reopen for all years on Monday (March 8), in Northern Ireland the youngest children return on Monday, with the children of the exam year on March 22 and the rest of children after Easter, and in Scotland ll secondary school pupils return part-time from 15 March.
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