News

Covid-19: Pressure grows on local authorities to end the school term early

Published

4 years ago

December 10, 2020

PRESSURE is increasing on local authorities to end the school term early.

The Herald understands that both Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire County Councils are considering ending the school term on Monday.

If those counties close their schools, it is almost inevitable that Pembrokeshire will follow suit.

The Cabinet Member for Education, Guy Woodham, has remained adamant that Pembrokeshire will hold the line to December 18. However, faced with neighbouring councils shutting schools, logistical and staffing pressures could compel Pembrokeshire to follow suit.

Both the National Education Union and the National Association of Head Teachers have intervened in the issue. The unions have express concerns about their members’ safety and wellbeing, and that of their families.

After a positive test, a teacher in contact with a student must self-isolate pending the outcome of their own test’s result.

A teacher required to self-isolate at any point after December 11 previously faced being in precautionary measures until Christmas Day or beyond.

As things stand, some school heads face the theoretical prospect of running a Test Trace Protect procedure on Christmas Day.

In what might prove a significant move, on Tuesday (December 8) the Welsh Government reduced the period of self-isolation from fourteen to ten days.

The rising number of cases in schools and a new Welsh Government assessment has given the unions’ concerns greater impetus.

On Tuesday (December 8), David Evans, Wales Secretary of the NEU said: “Whole year groups are being told to isolate. The virus is spreading in schools, and our priority must be keeping both learners and staff as safe as possible.”

The following day, the Welsh Government’s Technical Advisory Group on Covid (TAG) published new guidance.

The TAG report said: “The best way to protect older family members is not to expose them to potential infection, no matter how well-intended the reason for contact.

“Pre-isolation may be a helpful consideration for families with children before visiting older relatives.”

The National Association of Head Teachers responded by writing to Wales’ Education Minister, Kirsty Williams.

The letter picked up on the TAG advice regarding pre-isolation.

It said: “[T]he advice on pre-isolating of families with children, in our view cuts across the government’s current position on keeping schools open. It once again risks mixed messages causing utter confusion.

“If this report is advising families to pre-isolate to protect any extended family members that they are planning to see over Christmas, surely the opportunity to do so must be supported by the government.

“Parents will undoubtedly vote with their feet, and children will be kept at home. That choice will not be afforded to school staff if school leaders are not supported in closing school sites.”

The letter continued: “NAHT Cymru urges you to review your position in light of the new advice and look, at a national level.”

It proposes a transition to blended/distance learning for the final week of term (December 14-18) in line with the TAG report advice.

NAHT says: “This week would see the closure of school sites and should be used for isolation and reducing social contacts, with a clear ‘stay at home’ message for all age groups

“This move would allow children, staff and families the opportunity to adhere to the pre-isolation advice.”

We approached Cllr Guy Woodham with our information about early closure plans in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

He responded: “The position remains under constant review and further meetings are happening today (Thursday, December 10) which may, hopefully, provide an agreed way forward.

“While I remain of the view that 18 December is an appropriate last day of term, this is not an entrenched position, and I will continue to listen to others while remaining focused on delivering what is in the best interests of Pembrokeshire learners during these unprecedented and extremely challenging times.”

Business

Pembroke Dock opticians fundraises to support local families

Published

11 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKE DOCK opticians has collected food, toiletries and seasonal supplies to help individuals and families in Pembrokeshire experiencing financial hardship.

The collection, organised by trainee dispensing optician Courtney Hearn, was donated to PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship), a local charity dedicated to providing essential items, including food parcels, clothing and household necessities to those in need.

PATCH also holds an annual Christmas Toy Appeal, which ensures children in need receive gifts, art materials, chocolates and wrapping supplies, bringing joy to families facing challenging circumstances during the festive season.

The Specsavers team contributed food and toiletries, while retail director Ellie Thomas-Wigley and optometrist Andrew Williams purchased wrapping paper and Sellotape, following guidance from PATCH, to support the appeal.

Ellie Thomas-Wigley says: ‘We’re incredibly proud of our team’s generosity and their commitment to helping the community. PATCH plays a vital role in supporting local families facing difficult times, particularly during the festive season, and we’re pleased to contribute to their important work.

‘Thank you to our customers and team for coming together to support those in need at such a critical time of year.’

Since 2008, PATCH has been providing support to Pembrokeshire residents by working with referral agencies such as health workers and social services. The charity’s Basics Bank offers immediate help to those experiencing crises, including job losses, benefit delays, or emergency situations like fire or homelessness.

To learn more about PATCH or to donate, visit their charity shop on Charles Street.
Specsavers Pembroke Dock is open seven days a week. To find out more and book an appointment, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/pembrokedock.

Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.

Entertainment

Body slamming entertainment at the Torch Theatre!

Published

11 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FROM Port Talbot to Llanelli and Porthcawl to Lampeter, the Superstars of Welsh Wrestling are on the road around the country and are getting ready to rumble! They’ll bring their live body slamming family entertainment show to the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, for a one-night extravaganza that you won’t want to miss!

Since its establishment in 2005, Welsh Wrestling has cemented its status as the number one wrestling promotion in Wales, running top quality wrestling shows all over the country in some of the most prestigious venues and theatres. Throughout each year the Superstars of Welsh Wrestling perform in front of several thousand fans, guaranteeing each paying customer of all ages a fun, action-packed, family night out.

Witness the wrestling extravaganza at the Torch that’s guaranteed to get children (and adults) screaming and cheering for their favourite wrestler and making memories that last a lifetime. Pop down to the Torch and witness the glamour and chaos in this showcase of entertainment and athleticism in a memorable family night out.

The Welsh Wrestling Facebook page has information on its Wales tour with positive feedback from several audience members with one being quoted as saying:

“What a fantastic night. My two grandsons loved every minute of the show. A great show designed with families in mind. I will highly recommend this to all friends and family. Thanks for a great evening!”

Welsh Wrestling will be live at the Torch Theatre wrestling ring on Sunday 23 February at 5pm. Ticket prices: Family: £45. Adult: £15. Child: £12. For tickets phone the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

Crime

Police issue update following incident at Tenby multi-storey

Published

2 days ago

January 3, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed this morning that they are investigating a collision on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park in Tenby, at around 4pm on Thursday, January 2.

The collision, police said, involved a grey Nissan Qashqai and a young child.

The child remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The family are being supported by specially trained officers.

One man, aged 33, has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving, drink driving, and drug driving. He remains in police custody.

Police issued a statement saying: “This is a tragic incident and is a live investigation.

“We ask that you do not speculate the circumstances and allow our officers to carry out their enquiries.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to us, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.