All schools in Wales will accessible Friday at the newest in response to the coronavirus outbreak, the Welsh Government has announced.
The country's Education Minister Kirsty Williams said she was bringing forward the Easter break.
It comes as Scotland took similar steps with all schools and nurseries there closing from the top of the week and should not reopen before summer.
There are an estimated 200,000 cases of coronavirus across the world .
"Today's decision will help ensure an orderly closure, so schools have time to organize ," said Ms Williams.
Childcare centres are expected to stay open until advice is given to shut them, Ms Williams added.
Headteachers body NAHT Cymru welcomed the announcement and said details of how schools can support vulnerable children and youngsters of key workers were "yet to be finalised".
Coronavirus: Second-home owners urged to remain away
Coronavirus in Wales: Your daily update
Coronavirus: Second death confirmed in Swansea
The announcement was made almost simultaneously with the Scottish Government's decision that schools are expected to shut by the top of the week.
As well as action in Scotland and Wales, in Prime Minister's Questions Boris Johnson said a choice on schools in England are going to be taken "imminently".
Ms Williams said from next week, schools would have a "new purpose".
"They will help support those most in need, including people involved within the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak," she added.
"I am working with my colleagues within the cabinet, with officialdom and our partners in government to develop and finalise these plans."
No announcement was made on exams, however Ms Williams said she would seek to clarify things "with urgency".
She said further details on exams would be made "shortly".
Plaid Cymru's Sian Gwenllian said further clarity was needed, alongside clear guidelines from the education minister on the short-term role of faculties .
She involved GCSE and A level exams to be scrapped, postponed or adapted, with the aim of holding them within the autumn or coming to a different arrangement.
It comes as Scotland took similar steps with all schools and nurseries there closing from the top of the week and should not reopen before summer.
There are an estimated 200,000 cases of coronavirus across the world .
"Today's decision will help ensure an orderly closure, so schools have time to organize ," said Ms Williams.
Childcare centres are expected to stay open until advice is given to shut them, Ms Williams added.
Headteachers body NAHT Cymru welcomed the announcement and said details of how schools can support vulnerable children and youngsters of key workers were "yet to be finalised".
Coronavirus: Second-home owners urged to remain away
Coronavirus in Wales: Your daily update
Coronavirus: Second death confirmed in Swansea
The announcement was made almost simultaneously with the Scottish Government's decision that schools are expected to shut by the top of the week.
As well as action in Scotland and Wales, in Prime Minister's Questions Boris Johnson said a choice on schools in England are going to be taken "imminently".
Ms Williams said from next week, schools would have a "new purpose".
"They will help support those most in need, including people involved within the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak," she added.
"I am working with my colleagues within the cabinet, with officialdom and our partners in government to develop and finalise these plans."
No announcement was made on exams, however Ms Williams said she would seek to clarify things "with urgency".
She said further details on exams would be made "shortly".
Plaid Cymru's Sian Gwenllian said further clarity was needed, alongside clear guidelines from the education minister on the short-term role of faculties .
She involved GCSE and A level exams to be scrapped, postponed or adapted, with the aim of holding them within the autumn or coming to a different arrangement.
Comments
Post a Comment