CHILDCARE hubs in Ceredigion will close on 19 June to allow schools to prepare to reopen.

School across the county have started to make arrangements to reopen on 29 June, following the announcement from Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, earlier this week.

The county’s schools will be open to all year groups, but with smaller numbers in each classroom and staggered break and finish times.

Children will be offered sessions of face to face time with their teachers during this period.

Ceredigion County Council said this afternoon (Friday) that to allow schools time to plan, the Childcare Hub provision will cease on Friday 19 June 2020.

The council, through the schools, has sent a questionnaire to all parents/carers to complete, and this will be vital as we plan for re-opening schools.

A council spokesperson said: “It will be up to parents/carers to choose whether to send their children back to school for this four week period. Schools will continue to support all pupils through distance learning activities.”

Welsh Government has also announced that the summer term will be extended until 27 July 2020, with a two week break for pupils and staff during the autumn half term.

Ceredigion County Council says it supports this announcement and is putting plans in place to ensure the highest standards of safety are in place to all involved.

The spokesperson added: “With the support of council officers, all individual schools are now working on their respective school re-opening plans and risk assessments.

“All schools in the county were closed on 20 March 2020.

“The council is grateful to everyone who has been working tirelessly in the care centres ever since to provide childcare for the children of emergency and care service workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Further information on the support available to children and young people during the coronarvirus is available on the council’s website.”

The Cambrian News asked whether Ysgol Penweddig pupils will be returning to the school, or attending classes on the Aberystwyth University campus as part of the school was converted into a field hospital during the pandemic.

Ceredigion County Council said: “We continue to work with each school to prepare for their own specific reopening plans and needs.”