Teacher described apprehension at students going back to school amid chaos over non-compulsory testing
Most primary schools have reopened this morning, while secondary school students will head back in phases
3 Covid tests will be conducted in school as a union boss says on-site testing facilities look like field hospital
But Covid tests are voluntary, with teachers describing the struggle of getting parental consent beforehand
And face covering critics, including parents and MPs, say the rules will impact students learning
Testing and self-isolating as Teesside pupils head back to school for first time this year
Pupils had to take coronavirus tests when they returned to the classroom on Monday
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The Welsh Government is following scientific advice by holding back a full return for school pupils until after Easter, Education Minister Kirsty Williams has said.
Ms Williams said the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) had advised that a “phased return” was necessary to monitor its effect on Covid transmission rates, despite a full return for pupils in England on Monday.
Her comments came as Public Health Wales recorded no new deaths for the country for the first time since September 21, though the agency said there was often a reporting lag following the weekend.
Ms Williams said it had been “wonderful” to see pupils aged between three and seven back in schools in Wales over the last fortnight, while older primary pupils and secondary and college learners in exam years will be allowed to return from next week and “flexibility” given to those in years ten and 12.