A limited reopening of Denbighshire schools will take place from Wednesday, February 24, as long as “all necessary safety measures” are in place.

The move applies to foundation phase pupils in the county from Wednesday February 24 at the earliest the authority said.

Face to face learning for children of critical workers and vulnerable learners will continue from Monday, February 22.

Free school meals and school transport will be available for all eligible pupils from February 24 as soon as schools reopen.

The move follows Welsh Government’s announcement pupils aged between three and seven years old will return to face to face learning after being tutored from home since December 16.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Denbighshire council’s lead member for education, said: “The Welsh Government has announced, due to lower community transmission rates of Covid-19, schools can re-open to foundation phase pupils.

“Following this we have spoken with all primary schools and agreed face to face education will resume across the county for eligible pupils.

“This has been a difficult period for pupils, parents and staff and we want to reassure parents and carers that schools will continue to implement rigorous hygiene measures as well as ensure all regulations and guidance on pupils’ safety is followed.”

Cllr Hilditch-Roberts thanked pupils, parents and staff for their support during what he called “a hugely challenging time”.

The council said it is reassuring parents and carers school re-openings will be subject to all necessary safety measures being in place, supported by Welsh Government and in line with their operational guidance.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) believes part of this relates to the issue of higher grade PPE to teachers by Welsh Government, before school’s restart.

The council said it will work closely with Public Health Wales and NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect to review case levels prior to schools reopening.

Parents and carers were also reminded to adhere to social distancing measures when dropping off or collecting children from school.