WREXHAM Council is currently "considering arrangements" for reopening schools to foundation phase learners (3-7 years olds).

Many schools across Wales have started reopen for younger children, but those in Wrexham will not to do so until this Friday "at the earliest".

Although coronavirus levels are falling in Wrexham, the council says figures are still "very high", meaning the authority and headteachers are "carefully considering" plans, while "continually monitoring" the local situation.

In light of this cautious approach, children will not be returning to schools in Wrexham until Friday, February 26 – depending on local coronavirus levels after half-term.

Headteachers will share more detailed information with parents and carers this week, once coronavirus levels have been reviewed.

And even then, the council and headteachers will continue to monitor local levels, and will review arrangements if needed.

Councillor Phil Wynn, Wrexham Council’s lead member for education, said: “Coronavirus levels have been much worse in Wrexham compared to many other parts of Wales in recent weeks, so this is a cautious approach we’re taking.

“We’ll monitor the local situation continually, and will work with schools to review and finalise arrangements after half-term.

“Foundation phase learners will not return until February 26 at the very earliest, and headteachers will keep parents fully informed.

“It’s all about helping to keep people safe, and the wellbeing of our pupils, staff, parents, carers and wider communities is our priority.”

Councillor Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham Council, added: “We’re working with primary head teachers, school governors, Public Health Wales and Welsh Government to make sure the return to school is both safe and sustainable.

“We must remember that this is a terrible virus, and we can’t afford to drop our guard.

“This is why it’s so important that we work in partnership to keep our children, school employees and the communities where our schools are located as safe as we possibly can.”

Karen Evans, Wrexham Council's chief officer for education and early intervention, said: “With the council’s support, schools will be planning carefully for the return of foundation phase pupils, taking into account the local situation after half-term.

“I’d also like to reiterate our thanks to parents and carers of older children, who will continue to learn from home.

“We know that remote-learning presents many challenges for families trying to manage work and home responsibilities, and we’re truly grateful to parents, children and staff for their continued efforts.”

Council tips on how parents help:

Please don’t car-share when picking up or collecting children.

Please don’t congregate at the school gates (don’t hang around any longer than you need to).

Please don’t let your children meet up with groups of children from other households outside of school (the current rules say you can only meet up with one other person for exercise outdoors).