UCAC asks Welsh Government to consider distance learning for last week of term

25 November 2020

Education union, UCAC has written to the Minister for Education today asking her to consider the options available to reduce the risk of pupils and staff having to self-isolate over Christmas. One option would be to close schools and further education college sites on Friday 11 December with distance learning put in place for the last week of term.

Dilwyn Roberts-Young, General Secretary of UCAC said “UCAC members have responded to a questionnaire over the weekend with 75% of responses in favour of distance learning for the last week of term before Christmas, in order to safeguard learners and staff.

“Closing the doors on the 11th would mean a clear two weeks, without contact between pupils and staff before Christmas Day, and that would help reduce the risk of people becoming infected or having to self-isolate over the Christmas period.

“This arrangement would also mean that school and college leaders would not receive calls from the Test, Trace and Protect program during the holidays including Christmas Day itself.

“We want everyone in school and college communities to be able to plan and look forward to Christmas as much as possible in these difficult times. We believe that this proposal would facilitate that, while ensuring continuity of learning.

"We look forward to an early response from the Welsh Government on the matter."