Gwynedd Council is discussing the possibility of re-opening schools to some pupils after half-term.

It follows a Welsh Government announcement that children aged three to seven would be free to return after next week’s holiday.

The move marks a partial return of face-to-face primary teaching following several weeks of lockdown and distanced learning.

Gwynedd Council says talks are ongoing with schools on the phased opening from 22 February.

A spokesman for the authority said: “Gwynedd’s Education Authority has met with headteachers this week to ensure they are fully aware of the latest development and our officers continue to offer help and advice regarding the planned phased opening for foundation phase pupils during the week beginning 22 February.

“We will continue to monitor the situation during that period, as we await further guidance from the Welsh Government in the days ahead.”

Neighbouring Anglesey Council said it would not re-open schools until it was felt safe to do so, following stubbornly high transmission rates on the island.

But yesterday (Thursday) the authority revealed that while any plans are subject to change, a phased return of foundation phase pupils is currently pencilled in from Thursday, February 25, with the aim for all Foundation Phase pupils to be back in their classrooms by Wednesday, 3 March “at the latest”.