Parents and carers will be contacted directly by their schools before the start of term with the arrangements that apply to them.

All schools will be closed on January 4 and 5 to allow headteachers to assess levels of staff availability, to review all risk assessments and to consider any further requirements in relation to the planning of the spring term.

Swansea Council’s Interim Director of Education, Helen Morgan-Rees, has today (Friday) written to parents outlining the plans following consultation with headteachers.

Mrs Morgan-Rees said: “Unfortunately, the current situation with the increasing transmission of Covid-19 across Wales makes it very difficult for us to predict the impact it will have on staffing levels in our schools following the Christmas break.

“Our priority is to minimise disruption to our children and young people’s education as much as possible. However, we recognise that schools will need to assess their staffing levels at the beginning of the new term and as a result some flexibility will be required depending on local circumstances.

“Your school will contact you to confirm arrangements from 6th January onwards but it is expected that most schools will be able to welcome all pupils back by 11th January if circumstances allow.

“It may be that only a few classes can return, and some pupils will receive their education remotely.

“Onsite support will be available for children of critical workers and vulnerable learners; however, as before this service must only be used where all other options have been exhausted.”

“I know this term has not been easy and I would like to thank you for your continued co-operation and support.”

Swansea Council has again urged people to stay safe and follow the rules to help prevent the spread of coronavirus during Christmas and the New Year.