PUPILS in Denbighshire are set to return to face-to-face learning after the Christmas break on Monday, January 11.

Following guidance from the Welsh Government and discussions with schools, Denbighshire County Council is informing parents that remote learning will be in place during the first week of the new term, the week beginning January 4.

All Denbighshire schools have a pre-arranged INSET day on January 4 and many schools have a second INSET day on January 5.

However, in circumstances where there is a clear public health and safety reason, individual schools may continue with remote learning for one extra week.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “There is an expectation from the Welsh Government that cases of coronavirus will increase over the Christmas period.

“Despite confirmed cases associated with Denbighshire schools being low they are increasing and we have taken the difficult decision to follow Welsh Government guidance for schools to provide remote learning at the start of term, with the expectation that face-to-face learning will resume on Monday, January 11.

“Any children who test positive for coronavirus or are asked to self-isolate through the Test, Trace and Protect system must complete their self-isolation period before returning to school.

“We take any change to pupils’ education very seriously and have not taken this decision lightly. We have acted now to provide clarity to parents and guardians as early as possible as well as allowing us to manage the return to education after the Christmas period as safely as possible.

“I would again like to thank pupils, parents and staff for their support during what has been a hugely challenging term for all of our schools and the communities they support and work in.”

Face to face learning will be offered to the children of key workers and vulnerable pupils and schools will inform parents and guardians with their individual arrangements.