PRIMARY school pupils in Ceredigion will have an extra week at home in the new year after council chiefs announced their plans for the new term.

Children in Ceredigion are this week receiving distance learning classes at home with both primary and secondary schools closed.

Following the announcement on Tuesday that Wales is going to move into a Tier 4 lockdown at the end of the month, Education Chief for Ceredigion, Meinir Ebbsworth, has written to parents this evening to outline the county’s plans for a return to the class in 2021.

All schools in the county will be closed on Monday, 4 and Tuesday, 5 January for training and preparation.

Primary school and secondary school pupils in years 7-10 will then continue distance learning between Wednesday 6, to Friday 8 January, with the plan to reopen schools on Monday, 11 January.

Secondary school pupils in years 11, 12 and 13 will attend the school site as from Wednesday, 6 January, 2021. Usual transport arrangements will be provided for these pupils.

If required, children of frontline critical workers will be able to attend their school from Tuesday, 5 January for childcare purposes.

The school will make every effort to keep the pupils within their contact groups. Children attending this provision should bring a packed lunch.

Ms Ebbsworth said in the letter: “We understand that these are uncertain times for all, and we greatly appreciate your co-operation.

“In mid-December, it is extremely difficult for us to foresee the position that we may find ourselves in by the first week of January.

“We hope that these arrangements provide you with clarity regarding the week of 5 - 8 January, 2021.

“We wish you a very Merry Christmas and desperately hope that 2021 will be a much more positive year for all.”

Earlier today, education chiefs in Powys announced their plans which will see children return to class on Wednesday, 6 January.