Some Ceredigion schools may start to reopen to younger pupils "a little later than expected", the council has said.

In a letter to parents this week, Ceredigion council’s chief education officer, Meinir Ebbsworth, said reopening safely was the priority, and that “may mean in some cases starting to reopen a little later than expected”.

She wrote: “There are many considerations in the gradual reopening of schools and we will aim to welcome all Foundation Phase pupils back by Friday, 26 February.

“However, opening any school during a pandemic will be based on agreed risk assessments that will allow schools to be as safe as possible for pupils and staff.

“Opening a school in a safe manner will be our main aim. In some cases, that may mean starting to reopen a little later than expected.”

The letter also set out infection control measures that will be in place, including taking pupils’ temperature on access to school and testing school staff with Lateral Flow Tests twice a week.

"At times, there is a possibility that some staff members’ Lateral Flow Test results will be positive and therefore the class will have to close. You may be given little notice, but it is essential to close the class to protect against further spread of infection," Ms Ebbsworth told parents.

"Classes will also have to be closed immediately if any child who has been in contact with the class is tested positive."