All Anglesey primary schools and Canolfan Addysg y Bont will move to distance learning from Tuesday (December 15th) until the end of term.
However, they will offer care for the children of key workers and vulnerable children.
Anglesey Council has taken the decision – which has the backing of head teachers - after seeing an increase in the numbers of staff and pupils testing positive for Coronavirus or having to self-isolate.
It comes after the Welsh Government yesterday announced that all secondary schools and colleges in Wales will move to online learning from Monday (December 14th).
Chief Executive, Annwen Morgan, said, “Given the national picture in terms of Coronavirus and fragility of our own situation here on Anglesey - this is undoubtedly the right decision for our communities. With families already having been through so much this year, it will also, hopefully, reduce the risk of them having to isolate over the Christmas holiday.”
“Anglesey primary schools and Canolfan Addysg y Bont will provide distance learning from Tuesday (December 15th) to the end of term on Friday (December 18th). This will mean that pupils will not be on the school site during that period.”
She added, “I would stress that the school term has not finished early, and pupils will still be given work that they can do from home until the end of term. Households are also urged to carry on follow Coronavirus guidance to ensure they keep themselves, family and friends safe over Christmas. We have a responsibility to keep each other safe and can’t let our guard down now.”
Anglesey Schools have been working hard to stay open, but a number have already been affected due to Coronavirus. It has become increasingly challenging for head teachers due to the numbers of staff and children having to self-isolate.
Council Leader, Councillor Llinos Medi, added, “We are well aware that many parents and staff are extremely worried about the risk of having to isolate over Christmas, and after such a difficult year, we must consider people’s well-being.
“Switching to distance learning a few days early – with staff delivering lessons remotely – will give everyone some much-needed breathing space.”
Education portfolio holder, Councillor Meirion Jones, thanked schools for their tremendous work throughout the year.
He added, “We greatly appreciate the professionalism and resilience of our teachers and school staff in providing so much more than education during these extremely challenging times.”
Ends 11.12.20