In response to the announcement by Kirsty Williams, Minister for Education that schools were to close for education purposes on 20 March, Wrexham Borough Council, through our schools, provided childcare facilities in schools for key workers including the Easter holiday and half term period. Schools were re-purposed in line with Welsh Government’s guidance to provide these facilities.
This was possible due to the commitment and dedication of our school staff across the County Borough. The approach in Wrexham was highly successful and provided an immediate response to the emergency childcare needs for those on the frontline of the national cause to minimise the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
On 29 June the First Minister announced that people from two separate households are able to join together to form one exclusive extended household from 6 July. Creating a single extended household will enable families to be reunited and will also help support working parents with informal childcare over the summer months as more businesses reopen their doors and return to formalised working arrangements. The lifting of restrictions allows for childcare to be delivered by more normal means. As a result, Welsh Government will not be funding childcare for school-aged children of key workers over the summer.
Consequently, schools will not be open for childcare over the summer holiday period for school-aged children of key workers. This is consistent with what is happening in other local authorities, and provides an opportunity for childcare providers to re-establish their businesses as a means to ensure that childcare needs are met.
Families wishing to access childcare are welcome to contact the local authority’s Information Service on fis@wrexham.gov.uk or 01978 292094 – or on the council website at https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/service/childrenssocial-care/childcare Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to parents and carers for your understanding and cooperation during these challenging times and unprecedented times.
Thank you,
Ian Roberts
Gwersyllt CP 