Schools implement online learning for pupils

Schools across Bridgend county borough have implemented their contingency plans following the announcement from Welsh Government that the Easter break for schools was being brought forward due to the coronavirus outbreak and schools would close at the latest on Friday 20 March.

The plans cover areas such as online learning for pupils at home and the provision of free school meals for eligible children. 

All schools have developed a contingency plan in line with guidance from the local authority, Welsh Government and Public Health Wales, which ensures that the health and safety of the whole-school community continues to remain a priority during this complex and rapidly changing situation. We understand this is an uncertain time, but we want to reassure residents that, in collaboration with our partners, all necessary steps will be taken to support the education and welfare of our children.

Both primary and secondary schools will be using a range of technology such as Google Classroom, Hwb and school websites to deliver lessons as well as providing children with a range of activities. We are also working on plans to support children with additional learning needs, and to ensure that childcare is in place to support key workers. Welsh Government has confirmed that all examinations planned for the year will be cancelled, and that pupils will be assigned results based on their course work and predicted grades.

Free school meals will continue to be provided for eligible children, and arrangements are currently being put in place for how this will be supported. All of this is currently under development, and further details will be available soon. In the meantime, we urge residents to keep a close eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages, and our website, for the latest news. This will follow on from the national guidance issued by both the UK Government and the Welsh Government. We are very grateful to all staff for their continued efforts while meeting the challenges of the ongoing outbreak.

Bridgend County Borough Council leader Huw David

In a joint statement, Kathryn John (Headteacher, Brackla Primary School and Chair of the Primary Schools Federation) and Andrew Slade (Headteacher, Porthcawl Comprehensive School and Chair of the Bridgend Association of Secondary Headteachers) said: “Schools are working collaboratively with the local authority to ensure a joined-up response across the borough.

“Measures have been implemented to ensure all pupils have access to learning at home in a variety of forms including Hwb, Google Classroom and school websites.

“We are in constant touch with exam boards for the latest information.

“We want to thank all staff for their dedication and professionalism in the most challenging of circumstances.”

For the latest advice available to the public on the coronavirus outbreak visit the Public Health Wales, Welsh Government and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board websites.

In addition, more specific advice for parents and carers can be found on the Public Health Wales website.

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus through good hygiene.

Therefore, please advise your child to wash their hands:
- before leaving home
- on arrival at school
- after using the toilet
- before food preparation
- after breaks and sporting activities
- before eating any food, including snacks
- before leaving school and
- on returning home from school.

Please also advise your children to:
- avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

If you are worried that your child may be symptomatic for coronavirus, please call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 or 111. Do not go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment.