Swansea Council says pupils entitled to free school meals will still receive them as it plans to open a 'large number” of facilities next week to provide care for the children of 'key workers'.
Earlier this week, the Welsh government made the decision to close all schools in Wales by Friday, March 20.
A number of schools had already shut because of confirmed or suspected cases of coronavirus and the decision was made to cancel this summer’s GCSE and A-level exams as the country ramps up measures to contain the spread of the virus.
On Friday morning, the UK Government released a list of “key workers” who were considered most essential to the fight against coronavirus and providing services to those in self-isolation at home.
In the first instance, Swansea Council will ensure that there is provision for the children of NHS staff, emergency workers, prison workers, those working in social care and school staff.
The schools are being opened to offer a safe place for the children of “key workers” as well as providing Grab and Go bags for young people who are entitled to free school meals.
Provision for vulnerable learners will also be considered over the next few days.
Swansea Council leader, Rob Stewart, said: “We are following government advice and are opening as many schools as possible to provide childcare for key workers.
“We would encourage key workers to only drop off their children if they have no other option.
“People who are over 70 and friends or family members with underlying health conditions should not be relied on for childcare.”
To access the provision, both parents/carers or a single parent/carer need to be an essential worker, as outlined above.
The hubs will be open between 8am and 5pm as a drop-in facility.
The age provided for will be those aged 3-14 and breakfast, lunch and snacks will be offered, free of charge.
Swansea Council chief executive, Phil Roberts, said: “The situation we face is challenging and dynamic and these plans are in place for the first week.
“Some teaching staff fall within the vulnerable categories as outlined by the government and are self-isolating while others must stay at home because they have symptoms.
“But, where they are fit and well and able, the response from teaching staff has been tremendous and they are only too ready to help support in ensuring that our communities flourish in dealing with this crisis.
“At all times we will be reviewing the capacity of this offer to ensure that it remains suitable to meet its objectives."
He added: “We are busy working through our plans for vulnerable learners and these will be in place as soon as possible.”
The full list of schools opening in Swansea will be confirmed later today.
