Many Anglesey school pupils will end the term through blended learning as Coronavirus levels soar within the county.

On Friday (December 10), the Island had the highest rate of Coronavirus cases in Wales.

Over the past seven days, Anglesey’s incidence rate had risen to 840.9 per 100,000 people.

During the same period, the Welsh average stood at 504.6 per 100,000.

This has prompted the County Council to advise schools to reintroduce blended learning for the last three days of term (from Monday, December 20 to Wednesday, December 22).

There is no change to the end of term date (December 22) and schools will continue to operate, albeit differently, until this time.

Children of key workers, vulnerable children and those whose parents who cannot work from home can continue to attend school for the remaining three days where required; and if no alternative arrangements can be made.

Further information regarding arrangements will be issued directly by head teachers to parents.

The recent impact of Coronavirus on several local schools, as well as the difficulty in maintaining adequate staffing levels and the effect this is having have also been key considerations.

This decision – which has the backing of head teachers – will allow staff to use a blended approach to deliver education, whilst also providing head teachers with the discretion to invite groups of learners to attend school for face-to-face learning where required e.g. preparing for assessments.

Council Leader, Councillor Llinos Medi, said, “I have always said that this authority will do what is needed to safeguard our communities. Coronavirus cases have soared on the island during October, November and December - with the majority of cases seen in children and young people.”

“Pupils will continue their education, but a chance to switch to blended learning for the last few days of the term could prove vital in disrupting the high levels of transmission we have seen recently from continuing into the Christmas period and beyond. Combined with the concerns around the emerging Omicron variant, many parents and staff are extremely worried, and we must consider people’s well-being after another difficult year.”

“Our Education team continues to work closely with head teachers and I’d like to thank our school staff, governing bodies and parents for their continued work and care during a hugely difficult time.”

Anglesey residents are being urged to take extra care to keep themselves and those around them as safe as possible. Please remember to:

• Wear a mask when needed

• Get tested and self-isolate if required

• Get vaccinated

• Allow fresh air into indoor spaces

• Take regular LFD tests at home