900 extra teaching posts to support children worst hit by Covid school closures
An extra 900 teaching posts are to be created in Wales as part of a £29m package to support those worst hit by school closures during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Welsh Government plans to recruit 600 teachers and 300 teaching assistants throughout the next academic year.
They hope to provide extra support for Years 11, 12 and 13, as well as disadvantaged and vulnerable learners of all ages.
Schools were closed in March because of the coronavirus pandemic. From the 29 June, Welsh pupils were invited back to school as part of a staggered approach and school sessions were not compulsory.
Schools will be breaking up for the summer on either July 17 or 24, before returning in some form in September for the start of the next academic year.
The Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, will outline her plan for schools in September later today at the Welsh Government's daily press conference.
She said: “I now want to ensure schools and pupils have the support they need by recruiting extra staff, to support the recovery phase and continue to raise standards as part of our national mission of education reform.
“We must never lower our expectations for any of our young people, no matter their background. That is why thousands and thousands more learners in Wales now enter and gain a science GCSE, it is why we now outperform other nations for A Level results, and it is why thousands more are studying and succeeding at higher levels.
“I know that teachers and parents across the country share my determination not to lose that momentum. This extra investment and targeted support will ensure that the impact of time away from school over recent months is minimised.
“This is not a short-term fix. I am guaranteeing this money, extra staff and support for the whole of next year."
Head teachers' union NAHT welcomed the announcement to recruit extra teaching staff.
Rob Kelsall, National Secretary of NAHT, said: “We welcome the Welsh Government’s announcement that it will provide an additional £29 million to schools to boost support for learners at crucial stages in their education from September.
"It is vital that we continue to invest in the next generation if we are to repair the damage that the pandemic has had upon the education of our children and young people.”