Written question WQ82475

Maintaining the safety of all staff and learners in our schools and other educational settings continues to be a top priority.

On 4 April, the Welsh Government completed the first phase of the vaccination programme (offering first doses to cohorts 1-9 as set by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation). This included offering a first dose to individuals who are immunosuppressed, some of which were categorised as clinically extremely vulnerable individuals (in cohort 4), and others with underlying health conditions (in cohort 6). We are now in phase 2 of the programme where, in line with JCVI advice, household contacts over 16 who share living accommodation with adults who are immunosuppressed were also prioritised for vaccination as a way of protecting this vulnerable group. Further details can be found here.

Our Operational Guidance for schools and settings sets out the system of controls and protective measures all settings should take to ensure the safety of staff, learners and the wider community. The guidance includes specific advice for staff who are clinically extremely vulnerable as well as staff who are at increased risk. This advice, and the Operational Guidance as a whole, is regularly reviewed based on the latest evidence to ensure schools and settings remain as safe as possible.

The all Wales Covid-19 workforce risk assessment tool for education, childcare, play work, youth work and further education settings helps individuals understand whether they may be at greater risk of developing more serious symptoms and help them and their school put steps in place to protect them. Schools and settings should review and update their risk assessments in order to effectively reduce risks and create an inherently safer environment.