Education

Union calls for ‘immediate action’ to keep schools open in January

Published

4 years ago

January 3, 2022

A TEACHERS’ union is calling on the Welsh Government to “take urgent action” to reduce the potential risk of further disruption to education as a result of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

The surge of Covid cases in Wales, driven by the spread of the Omicron variant, is expected to cause significant staff absence issues when schools return next week.

Some schools need to start planning for pupils to return to online learning, Wales’ first minister said last week.

Mark Drakeford said teacher and staff illness will mean some pupils returning to home learning, but decisions would be made by individual councils, rather than the Welsh government.

The NASUWT union said its members “desperately want to be able to provide face-to-face teaching for all children and young people in the next academic term without further problems caused by the pandemic.”

While NAHT Cymru Director Laura Doel said: “The availability of staff is the biggest threat to education in January. Without the workforce fit and well, learners cannot go back to the classroom.”

NAHT Cymru Director: Laura Doel (Pic: BBC Wales)

The Welsh Conservatives want the government in Wales to “follow in the footsteps” of their English counterparts and invite “an army of ex-teachers to return to classrooms” in a bid to ease any potential pressure.

Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary, said teachers have been “on the frontline throughout the pandemic to support pupils and students and provide them with the best education possible.”

“However, the rising number of cases of the Omicron variant could cause significant disruption in the next academic term with many teachers being forced to self-isolate.

“The Welsh Government must take immediate action to ensure that schools can continue to operate safely and provide high quality education.

“This is particularly important to protect disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people who have often been affected most by the pandemic.”

The NASUWT is urging the Welsh Government to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission by providing government-funded air cleaning units to every school and college that needs these devices.

They are also calling on the Welsh Government to support household close contacts to self-isolate to reduce the risk of transmission and wider disruption within schools.

The union wants the government to commit to providing schools with more resources to enable on-site Covid testing.

The NASUWT has also called for improved financial support for schools and colleges to help with the cost of supply staff to cover for Covid-related absence.

Neil Butler, NASUWT National Official for Wales, said: “Teachers, pupils and students, and parents will be concerned about the potential risk of further disruption to schools caused by the Omicron variant.

“The Welsh Government must do everything it can to prevent schools from experiencing significant staffing problems next term and further damage to the education of children and young people.”
Staff availability, biggest threat to education.
NAHT Cymru Director Laura Doel said: “The availability of staff is the biggest threat to education in January.”

“Without the workforce fit and well, learners cannot go back to the classroom.”

“If LFTs for close contacts need to be taken for 7 days there must be a supply available for schools.”

“If track and trace are supposed to support the system we must ensure they have the capacity to do so and if parents are to understand what is required of them, there must be clear communication.”

“All of these elements need to be up and running next week to ensure the return to school is the success we want it to be.”

“The pressure on TTP system is an ongoing concern and therefore we maintain that classes should be designated as contact groups for testing purposes to bring consistency across all Local Authority areas and relieve the added pressure to trace close contacts, particularly in primary schools which is extremely difficult.”

“Given that staff availability has been a key area of concerns for months, NAHT Cymru believes prioritising the workforce for booster vaccinations was an opportunity missed.”

“It is too early to tell whether the new measures announced will be enough to keep schools open in January but we welcome the reintroduction of staggered session times and the planning days that will help schools manage their local situations.”

“Remote learning will remain a last resort, with staff absence and risk levels being the determining factors, but be assured that school leaders remain committed to doing all they can to support their learners and their families.”

The Welsh Conservative shadow education minister Laura Anne Jones MS said those who are recently retired, or trained as a teacher and moved career, should be asked to consider whether they can find even a day a week for the spring term to help protect face-to-face education.

She said: “Teachers have gone above and beyond throughout the pandemic, doing an inspirational job to support their pupils and communities in the face of adversity.”

“However, the disruption to school life and extended periods at home mean pupils’ education has inevitably suffered, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

“With cases of Omicron increasing across the country we must make sure schools and colleges have the teachers available to remain open for face-to-face education.”

“We have to be prepared for the new term ahead, otherwise our children will again feel the brunt. A ‘call to arms’ such as we’ve seen from Nadhim Zahawi and the Conservatives is a great idea and one we should replicate in Wales.”

“I hope the Labour Government gets such a scheme up and running so we can increase support in the classroom and minimise disruption to our children’s education.”

Community

Sixth-former firefighter balances schoolwork with saving lives

Published

22 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

WHEN the alerter sounds, 18-year-old Bobi Jones swaps his school for his local fire station, serving as one of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s (MAWWFRS) youngest On-Call Firefighters.

He responds to incidents in his own time and has been granted special permission by his school, Ysgol Bro Teifi to leave free periods whenever an emergency call comes in.

Bobi applied to become an on-call firefighter shortly before his 18th birthday and follows in the footsteps of his brother, father, uncle and grandfather, marking three generations of firefighters and over 75 years of combined service. His family’s legacy reflects the strong community roots and sense of duty that have underpinned MAWWFRS for three decades.

Having spent time around his local fire station and the fire and rescue service from a young age, Bobi was keen to join the service. With an upcoming point of entry test, he applied as soon as he was eligible.

After completing his initial training, Bobi joined the crew at Newcastle Emlyn Fire Station in November 2025 and has enjoyed responding to incidents while further building his skills and knowledge. One standout incident was a fire at a local gym where he was involved in rolling out hoses and establishing safety lines.

As well as following in his family’s footsteps, Bobi says he joined MAWWFRS as he wanted to support his local community, which he has found really rewarding. Alongside his operational role and playing for Newcastle Emlyn Rugby Club, Bobi is studying A-Level Business and Sport and plans to start an electrician apprenticeship after finishing school, with a long-term goal of becoming a Wholetime Firefighter.

Talking about balancing his role as an on-call firefighter with life as a sixth-form pupil at Ysgol Bro Teifi in Llandysul, Bobi said: “There’s a good crew here at Newcastle Emlyn Station, which includes members of my family. We all support each other and there’s great camaraderie here.”

Asked what advice he would give to anyone considering becoming an on-call firefighter, Bobi added: “I would say absolutely go for it, the availability options are flexible enough to suit everyone and the Service is always recruiting for more on-call firefighters.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting for on-call firefighters who, like Bobi, remain an essential part in protecting communities.
The role of an on-call Firefighter provides many opportunities for personal and professional development, through training, teamwork, leadership and problem solving. On-call firefighters receive payment for their services, including retainer fees and call-out payments, supplementing their income from other employment.

Education

Manifesto warns Welsh nurseries are ‘fighting to survive’

Published

7 days ago

April 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Nurseries in Wales are warning that rising costs and underfunded childcare places are putting providers under severe pressure

NDNA CYMRU has launched its manifesto, The Best Start for Children in Wales, calling on the next Welsh Government to make early childhood play, learning and care a priority for every family and community.

The organisation says early findings from its nursery survey show 89% of day nurseries in Wales make a loss on sessional places, while 79% say the full day rate does not cover their costs.

Staffing bills have risen by an average of 10.5%, while nurseries have increased fees to parents by an average of 7.5%, meaning many providers are absorbing part of the extra cost themselves.

One nursery told NDNA: “We can’t increase prices as parents are struggling to pay their bill already.”

NDNA Cymru says the pressure is forcing some nurseries to spend less on resources, reduce staff hours and cut training, with one respondent saying they had been forced to lay off three members of staff.

The manifesto sets out four priorities for the next Welsh Government. These include a national review of funded childcare, funding rates that reflect the real cost of delivery, proper support for Additional Learning Needs, protection for existing providers before new capital projects are approved, and a fully funded workforce strategy.

Tim McLachlan, Chief Executive of NDNA Cymru said: “The next Welsh Government has the opportunity to do things better. We are calling on all parties to put children at the heart of any future policy, making sure it is properly funded and delivered consistently in communities across Wales.

“Our survey of day nurseries shows that they face unique funding pressures. It cannot be good for children, families or the economy to have nurseries fighting just to survive when we want to see them thrive.

“Parents rightly want more support to make childcare more affordable. But to be fair to everyone and make sure that policies can be delivered, political parties must make sure any promise they make is fully funded.”

NDNA Cymru said 92% of nurseries responding to its survey were either operating at a loss or only breaking even.

The survey also found that the new £6.67 hourly funding rate for three and four-year-olds does not cover costs for many providers. For full day care, the average shortfall was £1.56 per hour per child, rising to £2.05 for sessional care.

One nursery said: “In the 39 years I have been operating successfully and at a very high level of quality, this is the most challenging and disheartening time for my business in relation to financial sustainability.”

Another said: “Funding and fees are a constant worry alongside staff recruitment and retention; childcare is a lot more challenging and increases each year make it harder and harder.”

NDNA Cymru said it wants a fair and consistent childcare system across Wales, backed by national guidance, proper investment in staff, and adequate ALN funding so children’s needs can be met.

Education

College learner receives prestigious Welsh award

Published

1 week ago

April 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE College learner has been recognised with a prestigious award celebrating her commitment, achievement and future potential.

Eleanor Edwards, a second-year Travel and Tourism learner, received the award from the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales as part of its annual College Awards programme.

The scheme supports young Welsh talent and recognises individuals undertaking academic and vocational studies, as well as members of the armed forces and those involved in community service.

Support for future career

The award will help Eleanor further develop her skills and broaden her learning experience through additional courses made possible by the funding.

The College said Eleanor’s success reflects both her hard work and ambition, as well as the high standard of vocational learning delivered at Pembrokeshire College.

Speaking on behalf of the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales, Sylvia Robert-Sargeant said: “We are delighted to have been involved in the selection of Eleanor Edwards as an outstanding second-year learner studying for a Diploma in Travel and Tourism at the College.

“We wish Eleanor every success, both in participating in the extra courses made possible by this award and in her future studies and career.”

Ambition to join cabin crew

Pembrokeshire College Principal Dr Barry Walters also congratulated Eleanor on her achievement.

Dr Walters said: “We are delighted to congratulate Eleanor on receiving a Worshipful Livery Company of Wales award.

“This achievement will support her continued progression, enabling her to gain the additional qualifications needed to pursue her ambition of a career in air cabin crew.

“We also extend our sincere thanks to the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales for their ongoing support and for the time invested in the selection process.”

The College said it was proud to see Eleanor acknowledged through the respected awards programme and wished her every success as she continues her studies and prepares for a future career in the travel and tourism industry.