SCHOOLS across Ceredigion will reopen for a period of three weeks, instead of the four weeks originally planned.

There has been overwhelming support by school staff in Ceredigion to welcome pupils gradually back to school from June 29 onwards.

The week July 20-24, originally stated as open by Kirsty Williams, Minister for Education is now been called by Welsh Government a ‘fourth voluntary week’ and schools in Ceredigion will not open for this period.

A council statement said: “Ceredigion County Council and all their schools are very disappointed that they are not in a position to open for the fourth week as originally stated.

“This is due to the fact that Welsh Government has not been able to secure an agreement with Trade Unions on the extension of the school term. Due to this, key staff in schools would be working at odds with their employment contract during the fourth voluntary week.

“Many staff are already not able to attend schools sites for valid medical reasons, and the additional week could lead to some schools being short of staff, and possibly unable to open at all.

“Ceredigion schools will therefore close to pupils on the date originally intended to be the end of the summer term, which is July 17.”

In the meantime, all Ceredigion schools are continuing to prepare digital learning experiences for pupils and are getting school buildings ready to welcome back some pupils on June 29.