Stay safe – message from Kirsty Williams, Minister for Education

Today, Kirsty Williams, the Minister for Education, called for everyone’s help to slow down the spread of coronavirus in Wales. 　The clear message to all childcare and education settings it that they should remain open at this stage. These decisions are based on the latest scientific evidence.

We recognise new guidance on Coronavirus that members of the public should stay at home for seven days if they　develop either a high temperature or a new continuous cough has the potential to cause staffing pressures on schools and public bodies.

We are postponing Welsh Government education conferences due to take place before Easter, as not to cause unnecessary staffing pressures on schools and to allow teaching staff to focus on health and well-being of children. We are keeping this position under review, and the latest advice will be communicated to teachers and parents through the usual channels.

Coronavirus: travel guidance for education settings and students

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised schools, colleges and universities against international travel, including school trips overseas.　

Advice and guidance to educational settings is being updated on a regular basis to reflect current advice

Latest advice on assessments and exams from Qualifications Wales　

For the latest information　please visit the Qualifications Wales website

Digital distance learning page live on Hwb

We want schools to remain open, but they can start to prepare in case they need to close by using the Hwb platform and the updated advice on distance learning.

Anti-bullying guidance

Whilst COVID-19 appears to have originated in China, we need to tackle the incorrect impression that Chinese people are more likely to be spreading Coronavirus. We all need to work collectively to reinforce this message and challenge negative attitudes and behaviours, where they occur, that underpin this misconception. The Welsh Government suite of guidance ‘Rights, respect, equality’ provides statutory guidance and advice to help address and prevent all forms bullying in education settings in Wales, including racist bullying. We expect all education settings and education services to make sure all pupils and staff are properly supported and respected.

Latest advice on Coronavirus from Welsh Government: https://gov.wales/coronavirus