Statement by the Education Minister: Response

11 December 2020 

UCAC welcomes the Welsh Government's decision to move Welsh secondary schools and colleges to online learning from Monday, 14 December onwards as part of the 'national effort to reduce coronavirus transmission'. It is a wise decision which responds to the concerns raised by UCAC and responds to the advice of the Chief Medical Officer.

However, we are disappointed that a similar decision has not been made at a national level for the primary sector. The result is inconsistency and uncertainty across Wales with local authority arrangements.

We acknowledge the efforts of those authorities that have made decisions reflecting the aspirations of the profession to ensure the safety of staff, school pupils and the wider community.

We are now pressing the Welsh Government for clarity on the Spring term and will continue discussions with them and with local authorities in considering January.

Leaders, teachers and lecturers have worked tirelessly to ensure not only education but care for pupils and students and we sincerely hope that they will have a well-deserved, safe and healthy break over the Christmas period.