The children who won't be going back to school this term

  • Wales
Many youngsters will continue to be homeschooled while others return to the classroom. Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA

Thousands of children across Wales returned to school this week for the first time in over three months - but not everyone is going back.

For instance, youngsters shielding due to chronic health conditions have no choice but to remain at home.

Nine-year-old Sofia Bow was born with the genetic disorder cystic fibrosis and has been shielding since March, meaning she won't be in the classroom any time soon.

Nine-year-old Sofia Bow, pictured with her mother Rebecka, appearing via Skype because Sofia is shielding.

Meanwhile, some parents or guardians from black, asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds have opted not to send their children back to school due to safety concerns.

Research shows that people from BAME communities are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus.

Roon Adam, from Cardiff, says she doesn't feel it's worth risking her son's health by sending him back to the classroom this term.

"I'm worried about the impact it would have on his education, but I'm more worried about the coronavirus itself," she told ITV News.

"For the sake of two half-days going back to school, it's not really worth it."

Her son Yusef added: "I really want to go to school, but I'm kind of scared because there's a high chance I could catch Covid-19. I really want to see my friends, because I haven't seen them for a while."

Mum Roon Adam, pictured with son Yusef, said she doesn't feel his return to school is worth the risk.

Last week, ITV News revealed that an education-specific risk assessment tool, designed to help BAME staff and students understand the risks of returning to school, wasn't in place - and it still isn't.

The Welsh Government said it is urgently working on an education risk assessment tool, but that at the moment the risk assessment tool for health and social care can help inform decisions.

A spokesperson added: “We have provided guidance to schools to support them with opening from this week, which includes matters around hygiene, social distancing, self-isolation and testing.

“Schools across Wales have been communicating with families to reassure them of the measures being put in place to minimise risk to staff and pupils.

“If families have concerns about their children attending, we advise they speak to their school in the first instance.”

Watch the full report by Megan Boot here:

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