Schools in Powys will go back two days later than planned, and will see most pupils study remotely on the first Friday of term, it has been confirmed.

Jeremy Miles MS, Minister for Education and Welsh Language, today announced that he is providing all schools with two planning days at the start of the new spring term.

Following discussions with headteachers and unions, Powys County Council has confirmed that Wednesday January 5 and Thursday January 6 will be preparation days for schools in Powys.

These days will allow schools to review their risk assessments, processes and systems to ensure that the school will be safe for the return of learners.

Friday, January 7 will see all schools deliver blended learning but will be open for vulnerable children and children of key workers.

Those early year settings that provide 30 hours childcare a week should not be affected but parents and carers and being urged to check with their early year setting to see whether they are operating.

Schools will still finish on the last day of term, Wednesday, December 22.

Cllr Phyl Davies, cabinet member for education and property, said: “As we approach the end of term and the end of 2021, I would like to thank parents and carers as well as teachers and other school-based staff in what has been another extremely difficult and challenging year.

“The pandemic continues to place additional stresses on everyone, particularly parents and carers and our schools.

“The spring term will soon be here and it only right that we inform parents and carers what the plans are for when learners return to their education settings after the Christmas holidays.

“It is our intention that all learners will return to their education settings on Monday, 10 January 2022. However, this will be dependent on Coronavirus levels in the New Year so it is important that families do everything that they can to keep themselves and others safe.

“I must make it clear that we are still in the grip of this pandemic. Parents should continue to be on their guard for coronavirus and keep unwell children away from school and early year settings even if symptoms seem very mild.

“The return to school in January needs to be as safe as possible for all of our learners and our staff and I would urge every family to follow the latest Coronavirus rules so that when learners do return to their school in January that it safe as possible for all.

“Finally, I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas break and look forward to seeing children and young people back in schools and early year settings in January.”