Some schools are asking pupils not to exchange Christmas cards amid fears over the new Omicron Covid variant, parents have claimed.
Councils said they have left it up to individual schools to decide and they have not issued specific guidance on giving Christmas cards and gifts.
Nativity plays and other end of term events have been moved online but end of term dates have not been brought forward, local education authorities confirmed.
Read more: Schools are cancelling Christmas concerts and festive lunches
Last year Rhondda Cynon Taf Council banned pupils from exchanging festive cards in case of infection.
This year parents have reported on social media that their children’s schools in Wales have told them not to give cards.
“School emailed. Children not allowed to give Christmas cards to their friends due to Covid,” one wrote on Facebook, with others replying they had been told the same.
One school which was going to invite parents in to watch their children in a Christmas show has abandoned those plans at the last minute.
A mother posted on Facebook that her children in Ceredigion “are absolutely gutted” after a plan to invite parents in for their school Christmas concert was shelved.
Another parent said her son’s school had been going to admit family in for the end of term play under Covid passport regulations but had called it off last weekend amid Covid fears.
In light of ongoing worries over the new Omicron variant we asked all 22 local education authorities whether they had asked pupils and staff not to exchange cards and whether they had updated guidance on end of term events and dates.
These are the replies from those that responded:
Swansea
No advice to schools on exchanging Christmas cards and presents
“We’re continuing to advise schools to follow the Welsh Government guidance which remains unchanged,” a spokesperson said.
“On school plays and end of term No change from the Welsh Government guidance. School still finishes on 17th.”
Blaenau Gwent
“There is currently no evidence that Omicron provides more of a touch risk, so we have issued no specific advice to schools in relation to Christmas cards and gifts.
“Schools are able to make their own decisions around this in line with their own risk assessments and individual circumstances.
“In terms of school plays and concerts, our advice has not changed in light of the new variant. “Again schools can make decisions on low attendance events in line with risk assessments, however we are advising that traditional school events with large gatherings are avoided. This is the position unless otherwise advised by Welsh Government/Public Health Wales.”
Caerphilly
“We have issued no advice and Welsh Government have issued no guidance on which to base advice (around exchanging cards and gifts).
“There is no change to the end of term date which is Friday 17th December.
Concert/event attendance is based on individual school Risk Assessments, with most concerts being virtual.”
Powys
“Cards, etc can be exchanged, but with advice to maintain social distancing (where relevant)
End of term dates remain as they were and as published; December 22
“Advice on Christmas productions, given to schools has not changed: we have advised that productions should not have parents/carers attending as an audience in person.”
Pembrokeshire
“We haven’t given any advice about Christmas cards or presents.
“We have no plans to vary the end of term dates.
“With regard to plays/ concerts/ events, we have advised against events or gatherings where the whole school would be present – it would be better instead to do things on a class/year group basis. But these are for schools to risk assess and make their own decisions on.”
Flintshire
“The decision regarding the sending of Christmas cards is a matter for individual schools.
“As always we will be guided by Welsh Government and keep our local situation under review.”
Merthyr
“Schools are managing their own risk assessments regarding cards etc.
“All schools previously advised to have no events leading up to Christmas involving external visitors
“No changes to end of term – all schools finishing 17th Dec.”
Denbighshire
“The council has not issued any directives around this (exchanging cards and gifts) and it is a decision for the schools to make themselves.”
Torfaen
“Schools will consider their own arrangements with regards to cards and gift exchanges.
“Schools will adhere to their published end of term dates.”
Bridgend
Bridgend schools are encouraged to follow Welsh Government advice.
The closing date for Bridgend schools remains unchanged - December 17.
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