Primary schools to close in Denbighshire and more pupils go into isolation
Written by admin on 14/12/2020
Primary schools to close in Denbighshire
Following discussion with all of its schools, Denbighshire County Council has taken the decision to close all of its primary schools, special schools and pupil referral units from Wednesday (December 16) for face to face learning.
This follows the Welsh Government decision to move all secondary schools and colleges in Wales to online learning from Monday (December 14).
Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement, said: “We have reluctantly taken the decision to close our primary schools for face to face learning early. Confirmed cases associated with Denbighshire schools continue to be in single figures owing to the hard work of pupils, parents and staff.
“With primary schools closing across North Wales, the Council felt it had no choice but to take the decision to provide continuity with other areas, giving parents and guardians sufficient notice to prepare and to further ensure the safety of children and staff in the run up to Christmas.
“Primary schools will remain open for vulnerable learners and the children of key workers until Friday, December 18.”
The Welsh Government announced the decision to move all secondary schools and colleges in Wales to online learning as part of a ‘national effort to reduce transmission of coronavirus’ following advice from Wales’s Chief Medical Officer.
Cllr Hilditch-Roberts added: “As we approach Christmas and the end of term I want to thank all pupils, staff and families for their support and their effort in the fight against COVID-19.
“Primary schools, special schools, pupil referral units and secondary schools in the county will be arranging remote learning for pupils until December 18 and to echo the words of the Education Minister, this period is not an early Christmas holiday.
“Christmas is a time of great excitement and joy for our students but it is also a time when the temptation to stray from the strict rules we have been asked to follow may be higher than ever. It is important for everyone who has worked tirelessly to enjoy a happy Christmas holiday that we continue to observe the rules as I know so many of you have.
“I would again like to thank pupils, parents and staff for their support during what has been a hugely challenging term for all of our schools and the communities they support and work in.”
The final day of face to face learning for primary schools will be Wednesday, December 16 with remote learning for pupils taking place on December 17 and 18.
The news also follows after school pupils in St Asaph and Denbigh have been asked to self isolate
A total of 29 Year 5/6 pupils and 2 members of staff at Ysgol Borthyn will be required to self-isolate until December 20 following a confirmed Covid-19 case associated with the school.
A total of 32 pupils and 2 members of staff at Ysgol Esgob Morgan, St. Asaph, will be required to self-isolate until December 20 following a confirmed Covid-19 case associated with the school.
A total of 24 pupils and 5 members of staff at Ysgol Bodfari/Busy Bods, Denbigh, will be required to self-isolate until December 17 following a confirmed Covid-19 case associated with the school.
Ysgol Bodfari will be closed for this period.
The schools are working closely with Public Health Wales, the Local Authority and NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect to ensure that all the appropriate measures are in place to protect students, staff and the wider community.
All parents and carers have been informed and both the Local Authority and the schools have consulted with Public Health Wales.
Parents/guardians have been advised to remain alert for the main symptoms of coronavirus:
A new or continuous cough
A high temperature
A loss of or change to sense of smell or taste
Those advised to self-isolated should book a coronavirus test if they develop any of these symptoms, even if they are mild. A test can be booked by phoning 119 or online.
Advice requires those self-isolating to stay at home, not to go outdoors to exercise, to visit shops, family or friends, or to other public spaces. Please do not invite people to your house.
