(Title Image: Welsh Government, Crown Copyright)

The Welsh Government has issued new guidance to teachers and headteachers on how to deliver lessons distantly during the continuing pandemic lockdown.

This week marks what would have been the start of the 2019-20 summer term. While some schools remain open for the children of key workers – as well as children deemed to be vulnerable – it’s unclear when schools will reopen to all students.

The Stay Safe, Stay Learning document (pdf) says the safety of pupils and the education workforce – as well as the continuity of learning in some form or another – were amongst the top priorities.

English-medium and Welsh-medium pupils will have the same entitlement to support and Welsh-medium pupils living in households whose first language isn’t Welsh will be given particular attention.

More detailed guidance will be issued to headteachers and teachers next week (w/c 27th April 2020), to prepare for a switch from classroom teaching to distance learning via platforms such as Hwb.

Education Minister, Kirsty Williams (Lib Dem, Brecon & Radnor) said: “Leaders and teachers have stepped up during this crisis and have demonstrated agility and leadership; remote teaching will require a further adjustment to teaching and different way of working.”