Dear Parents/Carers

Yesterday, I wrote to all parents/carers in Bridgend to explain end-of-term arrangements in our schools.

This afternoon, local authorities in Wales were made aware of a clear recommendation by the Chief Medical Officer that all mainstream secondary schools should be closed to all learners (Year 7 to Year 13 inclusive), with the exception of the most vulnerable, from Monday 14 December.

The Chief Medical Officer’s directive does not currently apply to infant, junior, primary, and special schools, or pupil referral unit settings.

Therefore, the current end-of-term arrangements for Bridgend schools are as follows:

• the last day of physical attendance for all pupils at Bridgend secondary schools will be Friday 11 December;

• all secondary school pupils will receive blended learning at home during the week commencing Monday 14 December;

• the last day of physical attendance for all pupils at Bridgend’s infant, junior, primary and special schools (including The Bridge) will be Wednesday 16 December; and

• all pupils at Bridgend’s infant, junior, primary and special schools (including The Bridge) will receive blended learning at home on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 December.

Due to the significant and growing increase in positive cases in schools, it is possible that further school closures may occur before next Wednesday. If this happens, further communication will be issued to parents/carers at that time.

I am grateful to parents and carers for their support, understanding and patience at this challenging time.

Yours sincerely

Lindsay Iorwerth Harvey (Mr)

Uned Cymorth Cyfarwyddiaeth Addysg a Chymorth i Deuluoedd (UCCACD)

Education and Family Support Directorate Support Unit (EDSU)​