Decision to delay next year's exams in Wales 'under review', Education Minister Kirsty Williams says
Education Minister Kirsty Williams has said a decision on whether to delay exams next year is currently under review.
Speaking at Tuesday's coronvirus update she said Qualifications Wales are in discussions with other UK regulators about a change in next Summmer's exam timetable.
She said: ''Any delay would have a knock-on effect on other matters such as progression, results days and so on, therefore it needs careful consideration.
''We need to work through the next few weeks as we move to a full return and keep this, and other issues, under review.''
While timetabling is under review, the minister said it was still the Welsh Government's intention for exams to go ahead as normal.
Plaid Cymru is calling for Welsh Government to cancel exams and to do so now, instead of delaying a decision until later in the year. They claim this will "cause more stress" for students.
Plaid Cymru want students to receive centre assessed grades in 2021.
Delyth Jewell MS, Shadow Minister for the Future said: "The Welsh Government has an opportunity now to cancel exams, rather than waste valuable time delaying what many feel will be an inevitable decision.
"The time that would be used on preparing students for exams can instead be used to ensure centre grade assessments are as robust as possible."
Earlier Kirsty William has said ''every precaution has been made to minimise risk'' as pupils across Wales prepare to return to school this week.
The minister was seeking to reassure parents and teachers as schools begin to welcome pupils back from Tuesday.
She said: ''We know a lot more about the virus than we did back in March and find ourselves in a better place with the balance of risk now overwhelmingly in favour of children returning to school.
''Going back to school is critical. It's critical for children's development, health and well-being, especially for those who are most vulnerable in our communities.''
Welsh schools returned in June for a brief period to ''catch up and prepare'' before the Summer break.
But for some pupils it will be the first time back in school since their closure in March.
Watch the Welsh Government's coronavirus update:
Asked if pupils would face exclusion for behaviour that could lead to a risk of spreading coraonvirus, such as purposely coughing at other pupils or staff, the minister said schools were free to review their procedures but ''exclusion should always be the last resort.''
Kirsty said: ''We would expect schools to have conversations with pupils about their expectations to ensure they are doing the right thing when they get to school.''
Safety measures put in place at schools include minimising the number of contacts that children have during the day. This could mean smaller classes and fixed desks with appropriate social distancing.
The Welsh Government said last week that it was up to local councils to decide whether face coverings should be worn by pupils in schools.