Council issue ten simple top tips for parents ahead of new school term – follow them to keep Wrexham and schools safe

Schools across Wrexham will be opening for the new term from Tuesday September 1st and a simple tip list has been issued to help keep the community of Wrexham safe.

Recently Wrexham has seen the pandemic manifest locally, with an outbreak connected to a food factory, concerns requiring community testing, an outbreak inside the local hospital, the grim stat last week of Wrexham having more Covid-19 related deaths than any other local authority in Wales or England for two weeks running, and most recently a cluster at a town centre pub.

There are concerns over the reopening of schools, and with a virus that is spread by people rather than by itself, the Health Minister has highlighted it is up to the people of Wales to avoid problems, pointing out “that the biggest risk factor of schools opening isn’t necessarily the children and young people themselves, it’s adults in the wider school community”.

For most schools it’ll be a phased return over two weeks, with different year groups returning on different days, and your school will have been in touch to confirm arrangements.

Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, says “There’s been a huge amount of planning behind the scenes, with the council, schools and transport providers working together to make sure all government guidance is followed.

“Arrangements will vary slightly from school to school, depending on circumstances. But if we all play our part – and follow all the guidance issued by schools and the council – the return to school should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all children.

“As part of this, we’re asking parents to remind their children about some of the simple do’s and don’ts around hygiene and safety – including the need to wash hands regularly, and catch any coughs or sneezes.”

Wrexham Council have issued a simple top ten tip list for parents and carers on what they can do to help make things go a little easier, and hopefully protect everyones health:

1. Follow any advice issued by your school
2. Be patient – we’ve never been in a situation like this before, and we might need to adapt a little as we go along
3. Remind your child to cover their mouth when they sneeze – both in school or and when travelling to school (for example on the bus). Catch it, bin it, kill it
4. Remind your child to clean their hands regularly – including before and after they use school or public transport, and wherever they’re asked to by school staff.
5. If you drop off and collect your children, please don’t congregate at the school gates. Keep at least two metres away from other parents (outside your extended household), follow instructions from your school, and don’t hang around longer than needed
6. Don’t send your child to school if they – or anyone in their extended household has symptoms
7. Don’t send your child to school if they – or anyone in their extended household – has been advised to take a Covid-19 test (for example, by contact tracers)
8. Get a test if you or your child is advised not to go to school
9. Look at the school transport arrangements advice along with the Q&A section (more here)
10. Check out the latest council update on school meals here

Cllr Wynn added, “As a council, we’re unlocking services and facilities slowly and carefully and in line with the latest guidance and scientific evidence provided by the Welsh Government.

“This includes our schools, and the safety of our children, staff and communities is our priority.

“But we’re asking you as parents and carers to help us… by making sure your children understand some of these basic guidelines, and by following any advice provided by your school.

“We hope the return to school is a good experience for everyone, and that children in particular enjoy reconnecting with their friends and teachers whilst learning in a supportive classroom setting.

“Let’s work together to make the new term a success, and keep Wrexham – and our schools – safe.”