What recent discussions has the Minister had about schools in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan moving to the high COVID-19 alert level?
I have regular discussions directly with local authorities, and via my officials, regarding the impact of COVID-19 on our schools with the aim of ensuring they continue to be safe.
As we set out in the Local Infection Control Decision Framework, if through local intelligence, it is assessed that the risk level – for a region, area or individual school – differs from the national risk level, for example, due to a case or potential cluster, schools will be supported to review their risk assessment and put additional proportionate tailored interventions in place. Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan have determined that their schools are now at the high risk level, and have introduced additional measures in their schools to address this.
Across all risk levels, our priority is to enable schools to operate as far as possible, securing the best outcomes for all learners and continuing to manage the risks of Covid.