All schools in Pembrokeshire are already planning and delivering blended learning to their learners and this now includes developing live streaming of lessons where possible.
Schools have introduced a County wide model policy for live streaming acceptable use to parents.
Schools have been training staff in the use of a number of platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Google Classrooms including training and support for both synchronous and asynchronous activity as this supports families in being able to meet the needs of learners at home.
Distance learning through Hwb
Free access to a range of tools and resources. It is suitable for use from Nursery age onwards. Your child will have a login and been how to use it at school.
https://hwb.gov.wales/distance-learning
Dysgu Arlein
Pembrokeshire primary school teachers have got together to create a fantastic bilingual online learning resource for county children and families to use at home www.dysguarlein.com
Qualifications Wales is cancelling the spring internal assessment window – due between February 22 and April 23 – for GCSE, AS and A levels.
Qualifications Wales has confirmed that following the Minister for Education’s policy direction on the assessment approach for Summer 2021, it will change its regulations for approved GCSE, AS and A levels in Wales to allow grades to be determined by schools and colleges.
For the most up-to-date information: Qualifications Wales News
Schools are working hard to reduce the chances of COVID-19 spreading. In order to restrict the number of contacts, pupils are being kept with their own year groups and/or classes to form a ‘bubble’ which will be kept apart from other ‘bubbles’.
Maintaining distinct groups or bubbles that do not mix makes it quicker and easier in the event of a positive case to identify those who are close contacts and may need to self-isolate and keep that number as small as possible.
In the event of a positive test being confirmed, those who have had close contact with the case are required to self-isolate in line with national guidance, for 14 days after their last known contact with the positive case. This could involve the whole bubble. This is to prevent further transmission of the virus; ensuring that if pupils (or staff) are carrying the virus (even without symptoms), they do not come into contact with others and potentially spread the virus further.
Self-isolation
If your child is asked to self-isolate by their school, this is following an assessment approved by Public Health Wales and therefore needs to be strictly adhered to.
Self-isolation means that the person does not leave the home and that no one who is not part of the household enters that premises
A guide for households on when to test for Covid-19 and how long to isolate for
Free School Meals
Parents/Guardians of pupils in receipt of Free School Meals will receive a Free School Meals payment every fortnight that the pupils are distance learning, until they return to school. Payment for the period from the 4th January to Friday 15th January will be in parent’s bank accounts on Monday the 11th January.
The next payment covering the period 18th January to the 29th January will be in parent’s bank account on Monday the 18th January and fortnightly thereafter.
The fortnightly payments will be £39.00 per child eligible for free school meals.
Please email cashless.catering@pembrokeshire.gov.uk if you have any queries or on 01437 775912, 01437 775922 or 01437 775250.
New full time pupils
Parents of pupils who should have started school on a full time basis from the 4th January and have older siblings who are eligible for free school meals should contact the Free school meals eligibility team at freeschmeals@pembrokeshire.gov.uk to register their child as free school meal eligible.
Privacy Notice - Free School Meals
Application for free school meals
Cashless Catering in Secondary Schools
Our Catering Service have considered the safest and most appropriate way of providing meals to pupils using Cashless Catering. For those secondary schools offering a school meal provision when the schools reopen the following measures will apply:
To request a meal account number, or for any further information, please email cashless.catering@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Operational Guidance for School Transport Provision from September 2020
Updated Covid-19 School Transport Information for Parents and Pupils for Sept 2020
Who will be eligible for school transport?
Everyone that was entitled before Covid-19 as per the normal school transport policy. However we still urge parents to follow the WG advice and try wherever possible to take their own children to and from school, this will ensure that transport will be available for those most in need.
How will social distancing be kept on school transport?
There will be no social distancing on dedicated school transport in September 2020. The only social distancing that will take place will be on large vehicle (16seats +) between the driver and the pupils/students. This will be maintained by the front row of seats being unavailable for use. There will be no distancing and staff will therefore wear appropriate PPE to mitigate any risks.
Will children be expected to wear a face covering on dedicated education transport?
It will be mandatory for secondary aged pupils and college students to wear face coverings on dedicated education transport unless they have an exemption, for all other pupils it will recommended and actively encouraged.
Please see link to WG guidance on how to make a 3 ply face mask
How many children will be able to travel on each bus/coach?
All seats will be available for use apart from the front row on larger buses (16+ seats), for example, on a 53-seater coach, 49 pupils will be able to travel and on a 70 seater coach, 65 pupils will be able to travel.
How will you make sure that all children that need to use school transport can do so?
As there will be no social distancing between pupils vehicle capacities will be significantly increased to what we saw in July 2020, having spent the summer planning transport for September we are confident that everyone that needs to use education transport will be able to do so. We also expect at least a slight drop off in terms of numbers of pupils using transport as some parents have already expressed a preference to transport their children to school themselves at this time.
Parents have been asked to inform the LA if they are definitely not going to use school transport in September 2020, this will assist us in managing numbers of pupils on transport and allowing concessionary seats to be made available to those pupils not entitled to free transport but have no alternative transport.
Will there be concessionary transport available?
Yes, but as is the case every year we may not be able to offer these until later in September, this is due us not having confirmed numbers of 6th formers returning to school until they physically go back. However, where we can definitely identify spare capacity now we will endeavour to get as many concessionary passes out as we can. For those routes where on paper pupil numbers are very high we will have to wait until the schools start back to enable us to confirm what space is available. We appreciate that this may put pressure on some families but we ask that parents be patient and we will respond to every application for concessionary space as soon as practicably possible.
Will there be more public transport?
In most cases where pupils eligible for school transport travel on public service buses, due to low capacity on these vehicles we will put in place replacement vehicles on a temporary basis to ensure that there is always space for them to travel. This pupils who are not entitled to school transport but utilise public transport to get to school will have to continue using it or find alternative means to get to school.
How will transport look for special schools and those with additional learning needs?
As there is no social distancing the vehicles will be back to full capacity, however, the guidance for ALN transport remain the same as above in that parents are still advised to transport their children wherever possible using active travel wherever possible etc. Drivers and Passenger Attendants will be required to wear PPE due to the need to be in close proximity to the children to carry out their role.
B
C
Cilgerran Church in Wales VC School
Cleddau Reach VC Primary School
F
Fenton Community Primary School
G
Gelliswick Church in Wales VC School
H
J
Johnston Community Primary School
L
M
Manorbier Church in Wales VC School
Mary Immaculate Catholic School
Milford Haven Community Primary School
Monkton Priory Community Primary School
N
Narberth Community Primary School
P
Pembroke Dock Community School
Penrhyn Church in Wales VC School
Prendergast Community Primary School
Puncheston Community Primary School
R
S
Sageston Community Primary School
Saundersfoot Community Primary School
Spittal Church in Wales VC School
St Aidan's Church in Wales VA School
St Florence Church in Wales VC School
St Mark's Church in Wales VAP School
St Oswalds Church in Wales VA School
Stepaside Community Primary School
T
Tavernspite Community Primary School
Templeton Community Primary School
Tenby Church in Wales VCP School
W
Wolfscastle Community Primary School
Y
Ysgol Cymunedol Brynconin
Ysgol Gynradd Cymunedol Eglwswrw
Ysgol yr Eglwys yng Nghymru Penrhyn Dewi (VA)
The following frequently asked questions have been developed to answer the majority of your queries at this time.
If you have a query about your child’s school please contact the school directly.
Should you have any queries that aren’t answered here, please email education.coronavirus@pembrokeshire.gov.uk and we will provide you with a timely response.
Public Health Wales: Schools and Covid 19: Information for Parents
What should I do if my child tests positive when learning from home?
What are the arrangements for going back to school in January?
I am a critical worker and my child cannot stay at home, can my child attend school?
I am a critical worker / my child is vulnerable - How do I apply for a school place?
Why are schools not offering extended hours like they did last summer?
Will breakfast clubs and after school clubs be available to children of critical workers?
Do you have a child 3-4 years old?
What has been done to make schools safe?
Do pupils need to wear face coverings in schools?
What measures are in place on school buses?
What happens if a member of our household has symptoms of Covid-19?
What happens if a pupil or teacher starts to show symptoms of Covid-19 while in school?
What should I do if my child tests positive when learning from home?
If your child has a positive test result during school hours please contact their school providing your child’s name and year group.
If your child has a positive test result outside of school hours please contact education.coronavirus@pembrokeshire.gov.uk providing your child’s name, year group and school.
Please remember if your child, or any member of your household has Covid-19 symptoms please request a test by phoning 119 or using the online portal.
What are the arrangements for going back to school in January?
The Welsh Government has announced that schools will continue with online learning until February half-term unless there is a significant reduction in cases by January 29, which is the date of the next Welsh Government 21-day review.
This decision has been made as a result of medical and scientific advice and the rising number of new cases which is putting considerable pressure on the health service.
While schools may be safe environments for education, there is an impact on the R number of associated activity around schools.
Your school will provide you with further information and support on learning from home during this time.
Keeping our schools open is one of main priorities, however, the situation is very serious and it is important that we follow the advice to stay home and protect our health service.
Schools will make on-site provision for children of critical workers (see Welsh Government guidance) as well as vulnerable children where absolutely necessary, however, it is important that children remain at home wherever possible, as this is the safest place for everyone.
Wales is currently in the highest level of restrictions and we must try to limit the interaction between individuals as much as possible to restrict the transmission of the COVID-19 variant.
Therefore, it is vital that every child who can be safely cared for at home should be. It is important to remember that family or friends are now able to help with childcare, which was not the case back in March.
We must protect our learners, staff and their families by minimising the number of children attending school at this time, so we are urging parents to please consider very carefully whether it is absolutely essential that your child receives a place.
Being included on the list does not mean workers in these categories can or will send their children to school. Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept safely at home.
Parents should not apply for places if they are not scheduled to work and have not exhausted all other possible childcare options for example, some parents may be able to amend their usual working arrangements to address childcare needs, or they or their partner are able to work from home.
This provision is available during usual school hours for primary school pupils, secondary school pupils and pupils that attend Portfield Special School and the Pembrokeshire Learning Centre.
Children will be able to access their distance learning within the school setting, so it is important that they bring any work packs provided by their teacher, as well as their iPad etc if it has been provided by the school.
Pupils will also need to bring in a packed lunch. If your child is entitled to free school meals, you will receive payments during this time, more information.
It may be necessary for a headteacher to request further supporting evidence (e.g. ID badge) confirming role to establish if parents meet eligibility.
Please check school websites for the latest details and the school closures website to stay up to date with school closures.
I am a critical worker and my child cannot stay at home, can my child attend school?
We are asking schools to make on-site provision available for vulnerable children and children of critical workers, please see the Welsh Government website for guidance on identifying children of critical workers.
However, it is vitally important that parents follow Government advice and keep their children at home where possible.
Wales is currently in the highest level of restrictions and we must try to limit the interaction between individuals to restrict the transmission of the COVID-19 variant.
Therefore, it is vital that every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.
We must protect our learners, staff and their families by minimising the number of children attending school at this time, so we are urging parents to please consider very carefully whether it is absolutely essential that your child receives a place.
Being included on the list does not mean workers in these categories can or will send their children to school. Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept safely at home.
Parents should not apply for places if they are not scheduled to work and have not exhausted all other possible childcare options; for example, some parents may be able to amend their usual working arrangements to address childcare needs, or they or their partner are able to work from home.
It is important to remember that family or friends are now able to help with childcare, which was not the case back in March.
I am a critical worker / my child is vulnerable - How do I apply for a school place?
You can contact your school directly to express an interest.
This provision is available during usual school hours for primary school pupils, secondary school pupils and pupils that attend Portfield Special School and the Pembrokeshire Learning Centre.
Parents are advised to keep their children home whenever possible. Parents should not apply for places if they are not scheduled to work and have not exhausted all other possible childcare options; for example, some parents may be able to amend their usual working arrangements to address childcare needs, or they or their partner are able to work from home.
Schools have limited capacity so please consider very carefully whether it is absolutely essential that your child receives a place.
Why are schools not offering extended hours like they did last summer?
The situation schools are in at present is very different to that of last summer. At that time schools were officially closed, and we were required to provide childcare for the children of critical workers and support for vulnerable children and young people. We had a hub model staffed by teachers, support staff and council staff.
On January 4 the Welsh Government directed schools to move to remote learning until January 18 – schools are legally still open and required to provide education. Therefore, they will operate for the usual school hours. As this is being provided locally, many schools do not have the staffing capacity to provide an extended service as offered in the March lockdown and the aim is to ensure access to education and not childcare.
Will breakfast clubs and after school clubs be available to children of critical workers?
We are utilising our breakfast club staff where possible and encouraging schools to support the re-opening of any after school clubs based at their schools to extend what’s on offer to children of critical workers. Please ask your school for more information on this.
Do you have a child 3-4 years old? If so, you may be eligible for The Childcare Offer for Wales. The Childcare Offer for Wales provides 30 hours a week of government-funded early education (FPN) and childcare for eligible working parents of 3 to 4 year olds, for up to 48 weeks of the year. For more information, please visit: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/the-childcare-offer-wales
Important note: The Coronavirus Childcare Assistance Scheme (CCAS) is not currently in place.
What has been done to make schools safe?
New full risk assessments have been carried out at all schools. There may be restrictions and one-way systems in some communal areas in some schools. Additional cleaning hours at all schools will allow more frequent cleaning of high frequency contact points in each school. In addition to the thorough daily clean, a 'clean as you go' process will continue to be used in all schools. All children will be encouraged to wash their hands regularly with soap and water throughout the day. Hand sanitisers will also be widely available across each school.
Do pupils need to wear face coverings in schools?
Secondary age pupils may be required to wear face masks in school corridors and communal areas, dependent on the individual school's risk assessment. Schools will provide pupils and parents with details. Face coverings are not needed in primary schools.
What measures are in place on school buses?
Pupils aged over 11 will need to wear face coverings on dedicated school transport services but younger pupils will not need to wear them although may do so if they wish. Pupils with medical exemptions will not need to wear them. Pupils are not allowed to consume food or drink on school transport services.
Pupils travelling on public transport will also be required to wear three layer face coverings if they are aged 11 or over as they will be mixing with the wider travelling public. There will also be social distancing on public transport services.
You can view further information here: Covid-19 School Transport Information
What happens if a member of our household has symptoms of Covid-19?
There is clear advice for pupils and teachers not to attend school if they or a member of their household begins to show symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19): The main symptoms are a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).
For most people, coronavirus (Covid-19) will be a mild illness. However, if you have any of the symptoms above you and all members of your household must stay at home and arrange to have a test to see if you have Covid-19. It is very important that you are familiar with the 'Test, Trace and Protect (TTP)' guidance.
You can view this here: Test, Trace, Protect Guidance
What happens if a pupil or teacher starts to show symptoms of Covid-19 while in school?
There are clear processes in place if any pupil or member of staff displays symptoms whilst in school to ensure the safety of everyone.
Related links
Operational guidance for schools and settings from the autumn term
Welsh Government: Updated FAQs
Welsh Government: Childcare and play: alert level 4 FAQs
The Welsh Government has announced that schools will continue with online learning until February half-term unless there is a significant reduction in cases by January 29, which is the date of the next Welsh Government 21-day review.
This decision has been made as a result of medical and scientific advice and the rising number of new cases which is putting considerable pressure on the health service.
While schools may be safe environments for education, there is an impact on the R number of associated activity around schools.
Your school will provide you with further information and support on learning from home during this time.
Keeping our schools open is one of main priorities, however, the situation is very serious and it is important that we follow the advice to stay home and protect our health service.
Schools will make on-site provision for children of critical workers (see Welsh Government guidance) as well as vulnerable children where absolutely necessary, however, it is important that children remain at home wherever possible, as this is the safest place for everyone.
Wales is currently in the highest level of restrictions and we must try to limit the interaction between individuals as much as possible to restrict the transmission of the COVID-19 variant.
Therefore, it is vital that every child who can be safely cared for at home should be. It is important to remember that family or friends are now able to help with childcare, which was not the case back in March.
We must protect our learners, staff and their families by minimising the number of children attending school at this time, so we are urging parents to please consider very carefully whether it is absolutely essential that your child receives a place.
Being included on the list does not mean workers in these categories can or will send their children to school. Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept safely at home.
Parents should not apply for places if they are not scheduled to work and have not exhausted all other possible childcare options for example, some parents may be able to amend their usual working arrangements to address childcare needs, or they or their partner are able to work from home.
This provision is available during usual school hours for primary school pupils, secondary school pupils and pupils that attend Portfield Special School and the Pembrokeshire Learning Centre.
Children will be able to access their distance learning within the school setting, so it is important that they bring any work packs provided by their teacher, as well as their iPad etc if it has been provided by the school.
Pupils will also need to bring in a packed lunch. If your child is entitled to free school meals, you will receive payments during this time, more information.
It may be necessary for a headteacher to request further supporting evidence (e.g. ID badge) confirming role to establish if parents meet eligibility.
Please check school websites for the latest details and the school closures website to stay up to date with school closures.