THE new school year as begun in Denbighshire as teachers and pupils returned for an autumn term that looks different to any other.

Primary and secondary schools reopen from Tuesday, September 1 with Denbighshire County Council staggering each opening dependent on school size. All schools are expected to have returned by September 14.

It follows the Welsh Government decision to commence with full attendance classrooms after a continued and steady decline in Covid-19 cases in August.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board reported three new cases of coronavirus on Monday, August 31, none of which were in Denbighshire.

School are required to have carried out a risk assessment and provide mitigations such as hand sanitiser, home testing kits and one-way systems. Contact groups will be limited to around 30 pupils subject to staff numbers, with secondary pupils required to wear masks out of lessons. The Welsh Government admitted that social distancing will be “unavoidable” on school transport. Teachers will be expected to follow current coronavirus regulations.

Pupils that show symptoms of Covid-19 will be sent home to adhere to self-isolation until they receive a test. Contact tracing will be used if there is a positive case.

Welsh Government education minister Kirsty Williams said: “We now know a lot more about the virus than we did back in March and find ourselves in a better place, with a balance of risk now overwhelmingly in favour of children returning to school.

“We also now that going back to school is critical for children’s development, health and well-being, and especially for those who are most vulnerable in our communities.”

Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Denbighshire County Council cabinet member for education, said: “All schools have the common goal of getting children educated in a safe environment. Some children have not socialised since March so it is a huge positive step to see their friends and stimulate their minds.”