Posted: Wed 29th Dec 2021

Omicron poses ‘high risk’ of disruption to Flintshire schools, says council

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales
This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Dec 29th, 2021

Schools in Flintshire are facing a “high risk” of disruption caused by the emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, it’s been warned.

A rise in Covid infection rates saw schools in the county switch to remote learning for the last three days of the autumn term.

It followed headteachers in the area reporting problems maintaining staff levels, with the recruitment of supply teachers said to be “virtually impossible”.

Officials from Flintshire Council said the situation was also putting a strain on pupils who are due to take exams.

The local authority’s chief executive Neal Cockerton said in a report: “The autumn term has presented significant challenges in managing the impact of Covid-19.

“Many schools have experienced high case numbers in both pupils and staff which has resulted in a small number of class closures and learners having to switch to remote learning for a short period of time.

“Senior leaders in schools have had to resort to covering classes and in secondary schools there have been occasions where specialist teachers in some subjects have not been available for short periods of time.

“This is particularly stressful for examination year groups who have already missed a considerable amount of school based learning over the course of the pandemic.”

He added: “The reality of these operational challenges are regularly communicated to the Education and Welsh Language Minister and his officials through national network meetings.

“However, the resilience of school leaders is stretched and the ongoing risk of disrupted education for learners remains high, particularly around the uncertainties of the new variant of concern in recent weeks.”

All schools in Wales have been provided with two planning days at the start of next term to test distance learning measures in case they are required.

In Flintshire, the planning days will be held on Thursday, January 6 and Friday, January 7.

It’s expected all pupils in the county will return to school on Monday, January 10.

Community leaders have previously raised concerns over the the impact the pandemic has had on youngsters’ physical and mental health.

Mr Cockerton said the council was monitoring the situation closely and ready to provide support.

He said: “A significant number of children and young people across all phases are presenting with health, social and emotional difficulties which can impact on their attendance and their behaviour.

“Schools are regularly updated with information about support and training available to them to upskill staff to manage these challenges.

“Wider use of services such as the integrated youth provision and youth justice service are also being planned for older pupils.”

The report will be presented to members of the council’s Covid recovery committee next Thursday (January 6, 2022).

Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter (more here).

Spotted something? Got a story? Send a Facebook Message | A direct message on Twitter | Email: News@Deeside.com
Latest News

  • North Wales’ NHS service ‘nowhere near good enough’ admits Betsi boss
  • Chester Zoo reintroduces one of world’s rarest plants into mystery Welsh location to help save it from extinction
  • Operation Darwin: Campaign aimed at reducing risk of motorcycle-related deaths launched in North Wales

  • More...

    North Wales’ NHS service ‘nowhere near good enough’ admits Betsi boss

    News

    Chester Zoo reintroduces one of world’s rarest plants into mystery Welsh location to help save it from extinction

    News

    Operation Darwin: Campaign aimed at reducing risk of motorcycle-related deaths launched in North Wales

    News

    Man who raped a teenager at a campsite near Chester jailed.

    News

    DECA Sealand industrial action ends after union secures improved pay deal.

    News

    MPs’ call for ‘modest’ increase in statutory sick pay

    News

    10m homes should read their energy meter this weekend

    News

    Are high street banks leaving Wales behind? MPs to examine access to cash

    News

    Easter travel rush: 18.5m journeys expected, says AA

    News