Over 10,000 children in the Carmarthenshire area have checked in to schools so far. This figure includes 6,144 primary school children, and 4,226 secondary pupils, according to figures released by Carmarthenshire county council last week. In some instances, pupils have attended school more than once, resulting in a figure for the total number of check-ins for the previous week exceeding 14,000.
With approximately 28,000 pupils registered in Carmarthenshire school, the figures show that roughly 38% of pupils attended school last week. The measure to return pupils to schools prior to the beginning of the summer holidays is to allow for them to catch up and check in with teachers, as well as to help prepare them for the start of the new school year in September.
Schools across the county report that staff and pupils have been happy to return, with proposed safety measures implemented successfully. Pupils have been split into smaller groups, and schools have been operating with staggered break times, and start and finish times. There are separate entrances and exits, with one-way systems utilized where possible to promote social distancing.
High touch surfaces are cleaned regularly through the school day, with a full clean being performed every evening. Hand-sanitisers have been allocated to every classroom, as well as portable handwashing stations where needed.
Schools are not providing school meals for the remainder of this term, instead suggesting that pupils who will be attending school for a full day should be supplied a packed lunch.
Headteacher of Llangunnor Primary School Aled Davies said: “Being able to greet pupils back this week has been exciting. Seeing them smile as they saw their friends and staff was wonderful. It has been a strange time for us all and the school building looks rather different than it did three months ago. I would like to thank the staff for their hard work and dedication in preparing the school.
“I think we were all, children, parents and staff, a bit apprehensive on Monday but the new measures and routines have worked successfully and has allowed us to welcome the children back in a safe and organised manner. The atmosphere during the week has been welcoming and comfortable with all the children eager to share their stories and experiences and having a lovely day.
“A very high percentage of our families have decided to send their children back and we have been able to fulfil the Welsh Government’s aspiration that all statutory age pupils have an opportunity to return for three sessions in school before the summer break.”
Headteacher of Ysgol Dyffryn Taf in Whitland Julian Kennedy said: “The return of pupils to Dyffryn Taf has been a great experience. Staff and pupils have been delighted to see each other again.
“Everyone has worked incredibly hard to build a safe, inclusive and positive learning environment, all whilst maintaining a distance learning programme.
“Pupils have been able to check in with form tutors, get reassurance and advice, and make sure they are ready for whatever September might bring.
“Most importantly though, we have given staff the freedom to be creative and to try new things. Our pupils have been learning on screens for three months now – when they are on site, we want them to do something different. So, as well as maintaining their literacy, numeracy and wellbeing, pupils have been out in the fresh air orienteering, playing team-building games or simply building up their skills and fitness on Just Dance!
“Attendance has been really pleasing and everyone, both staff and pupils, have left with a smile on their faces. We very much hope we can devote one or two days at the start of the new academic year to finish the transition programme for Year 6 pupils that we were unable to complete this summer.
“The Governing body, staff, pupils and their families and the local authority have combined excellently to achieve a huge amount in a short space of time. We all want to get back to normal as soon as it is safe to do so, but until then we are delighted with how the ‘new normal’ is going.”
Children who are shielding, or who are part of a household with someone who is shielding are discouraged from returning to school for this term and should continue with home learning. Parents who opt not to send their children to school won’t face any fines, and will continue to receive home learning support.
Term finishes on July 17.
Executive Board Member for Education and Children’s Services Cllr Glynog Davies said: “I am delighted that pupils and staff have had such a great first week back at school. I think it is really important that they have had this opportunity to catch up before the summer holidays.
“I visited Ysgol Brynaman and it was wonderful to see how pleased the children were to be back seeing their friends and teachers for the first time in over three months.
“We have already started to plan for September and as soon as we have further guidance from Welsh Government, we will be able to share these details with parents.”
