Schools in Newport and Torfaen will provide online teaching for the first week of term.
The Welsh Government has said that local authorities will be given some flexibility, but face-to-face teaching should return January 18 at the latest.
Newport City Council has said for the first week of term – week commencing January 4 – schools will offer a blended learning approach.
This decision will allow head teachers to assess staffing levels and review risk assessments on the first two days of term.
For this reason, there will be no facility for any children to attend school on January 4 and 5.
From January 6 to January 8, hubs will be available for children of critical works – nursery to Year 8 – and other children with specific needs in Newport.
Children eligible for free school meals will receive a voucher in lieu of free school meal provision for this week.
All students are expected to return to face-to-face teaching from January 11.
In Torfaen, the new school term will start on January 4 with supported home learning – except for the schools with planned inset days on the first two days of this week.
However, the county borough council has said all school who have inset days on these dates have already contacted parents.
The council expects to provide face-to-face teaching for most pupils from January 11.
Each school will make their own arrangements for vulnerable learners and the children of critical workers to attend school from January 6.
The council’s executive member for education, Cllr Richard Clark, said: “Our plan for the return to school in January will give parents some certainty as we break for the Christmas period.
“We know from our children and young people that they learn best when in the classroom receiving face-to-face learning so we must look to minimise disruption to their education.
“I must thank parents, teachers, school staff and all learners for their continued patience and perseverance to help keep our communities safe.”
