As the global Coronavirus outbreak continues, the Isle of Anglesey County Council has thanked its school staff and parents for their support and understanding.
Over the past week, the Council’s Learning Service has been working hard with the island’s schools to plan an alternative care provision for families during this challenging time. All Anglesey schools are currently open as “care centres”.
Director of Education, Skills and Young People, Rhys Hughes said, “I would like to sincerely thank the teachers and staff at the schools and the parents for their support, patience and incredible work so far.”
“The last week has been incredibly challenging and schools have been working tirelessly to arrange alternative provisions for the island’s children. They’ve been working hard to arrange home working packs as well as planning to arrange emergency care provisions.”
The authority made the decision last week to close the island’s schools to pupils in order to encourage social distancing during the Coronavirus outbreak. However the island has committed to still provide care for those children who absolutely need to attend. This includes children who are vulnerable, those eligible for free school meals and children whose parents are critical to the local COVID-19 response and cannot be safely cared for at home.
All schools will operate as "care centres" this week with the staff of those schools responsible for providing the care. In the coming days, the County Council, in partnership with the schools, will review the demand, and will adjust the situation, considering catchment areas and staffing.
Anglesey County Council’s Portfolio holder for Education, Skills and Young People, Councillor Meirion Jones said, “I would also like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all of the island’s teachers and staff, for being so selfless and putting the needs of the pupils first.”
“I am grateful for the work of teachers and staff in schools across the island, so much has been achieved in a short amount of time and I’m proud of all the staff who have come together to help us ensure that there is a care provision in place for those children who need it.”
Rhys Hughes added, “We remain in a challenging period. However, I am confident that our head teachers, teachers and staff will do all they can to ensure that the best care provision is in place to those who need it during this difficult time.”
Regular meetings are being held between the authority and the schools in order provide the latest information and guidance, ensuring a consistent service during this challenging period. The authority will endeavour to share any changes to the current provision with parents/carers as soon as possible.
Ends: 23.3.20
For further information: Gethin Jones, Communications Unit (01248) 752130
Notes to Editors:
Today (Monday, March 23rd) 265 children (3% of the total number of pupils on school roll of 9,723) attended the care centres.