ALL schools in Wales are to close this Friday due to the coronavirus pandemic but says they will still be used to support some children.
The Welsh Government has said it is bringing forward the start of the Easter holidays from April 3 to this Friday, March 20. But pupils who need free school meals will still be able to attend for meals and schools will also be open so parents who work in healthcare and the emergency services will have somewhere safe to leave their children if necessary, though further details are to be announced.
Schools in some parts of Wales have been forced to close, or operate at reduced capacity, as staff have been unable to come if in isolation.
Childcare settings are expected to remain open.
Welsh education minister Kirsty Williams has now said all schools will close by Friday at the latest for "statutory provision of education".
Ms Williams said: "From next week, schools will have a new purpose. They will help support those most in need, including people involved in the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak. I am working with my colleagues in the cabinet, with government officials and our partners in local government to develop and finalise these plans.
"The key areas we are looking at are supporting and safeguarding the vulnerable and ensuring continuity of learning. We are looking in detail at how we can support and safeguard all those who benefit from free school meals and children with additional learning needs.
"While this will apply to schools, childcare settings are expected to remain open until we have definitive advice from the Chief Medical Officer and from Public Health Wales that any closures are required. Parents can, and should, speak with their usual childcare providers if they need care over the Easter holidays."
Ms Williams said she is in talks with exam board the WJEC and Qualifications Wales about this year’s exams.