CALLS are being made for schools in Wales to remain shut until after the February half-term.

Unison, who represent school support staff, are calling on the Welsh Government to consider following England in keeping schools closed until after the February half-term, which this year lands on 15-19 February, in order to quell spiralling Covid-19 infection rates.

Yesterday, Education Minister Kirsty Williams, said schools will move to online learning until 18 January but Unison says there is no way the essential preparatory work to ensure schools are safe to re-open to all pupils could be undertaken by then.

Unison says staying closed for the whole of January would allow Welsh Government some time to review the latest scientific and medical advice; for schools to have a complete review of their risk assessments based on the new variant and to agree a plan for a properly resourced and implemented introduction of Lateral Flow Device testing in schools.

Unison Wales schools lead officer, Rosie Lewis said: “This is a public health emergency and education should move online at least until February except for vulnerable children and those of key workers. We need an all-Wales approach rather than leaving decisions to local authorities.

“Welsh government must get this right instead of leaving parents, staff and whole communities confused and at risk.

“They need absolute assurance they are going to be safe when schools reopen. That includes prioritising all school staff for vaccinations. No school staff member should have to work where they face serious and imminent danger.

“We know reopening schools in February significantly impacts on parents and Welsh government should communicate to employers that workers are eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in these circumstances, so they could either be partially or fully furloughed if they are unable to work.”