THE three councils of the Hywel Dda area have said they took a ’regional’ approach to closing primary schools - but Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire councils are allowing schools to choose to stay open, while Ceredigion is not.

Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire councils are "allowing all primary and special schools the choice" to move to distance learning or remain open from Tuesday, 15 December. However, in Ceredigion all primary and special schools will move to distance learning from Tuesday, 15 December.

It was due to "rapidly increasing coronavirus cases" within the Hywel Dda footprint area, that all three councils decided on a regional approach.

Council leaders say they are concerned the situation will only get worse in the coming week if no action is taken and "have made the decision in the best interest of staff, pupils and their families".

All primary schools are expected to provide childcare for health and social care workers for those who have no other care options. They must also ensure there is provision in place for our most vulnerable learners.

Families with children eligible for free school meals will receive payment to cover the days they are learning from home.

Ceredigion County Council leader Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn said: “We all recognise the hard work of school staff during the year and in meeting the challenges that the coronavirus has brought, whilst at the same time continuing to deliver high quality teaching, face to face or remotely. We also recognise that our pupils have had to adapt to the new ways of working.

“However, now is the time to ensure the health and safety of our pupils and staff in the lead up to Christmas and closing schools for face to face teaching will enable families to limit contact with people they do not live with leading up to Christmas. The risk of catching coronavirus is reduced when we limit how much contact we have with others – these days will give families that opportunity so that they can see loved ones over the festive period.”