Dear Parents and Carers,

On Wednesday afternoon the Cabinet Secretary for Education in Wales, Kirsty Williams, issued a statement regarding school closures:

The minister stated “I can announce we are bringing forward the Easter break for schools in Wales. Schools across Wales will close for statutory provision of education at the latest on 20 March 2020.”

However, also in this statement the minister stated that “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.”

At the moment I have limited information, however I do know that within our community there are families where childcare will be a real issue as parents continue to work in sectors that are vital in our fight against this virus.

St. Gabriel’s RC Primary School will have a new purpose from Wednesday 25^th March, as it has been chosen as a childcare setting that your children will be able to access should you obtain a place through the admissions process that will be outlined later this evening in the press release by Newport Council.

In the last few days, staff have worked tirelessly to try to keep a ‘business as usual’ approach to reassure our children during this unsettling period and I can only thank them for that, I am sure that you agree that they have been amazing. When requesting the use of this provision can you please think carefully about whether you have an alternative, as in this unprecedented time we need to support and care for each other and that includes school staff who will be providing this service.

Many thanks once again for your support.

Mr J. Llewellyn

Interim Headteacher