Statements
Click to read statement from Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, on school closures in Wales.
Click to read statement on Summer Examinations 2020.
Statement regarding A'level and GCSE results: England and Wales.
Guidance and Services
For the full Welsh Government guidance and services in relation to your child's education and childcare during the Coronavirus pandemic please visit their dedicated website.
Education of Our children
It is currently unclear how long schools in Wales will be closed. Schools are working individually and with the local authority to provide educational materials for students. Contact your child's school for information.
Support for Critical Workers (key workers)
In order to continue to offer critical services as part of the country’s ongoing response to the virus, children of workers who form a central part of effort - such as NHS workers, police and delivery drivers - will be able to continue to attend school, college or childcare provider. Contact your child's school for information.
How schools will work during the coronavirus pandemic
Click here for Welsh Government guidance.
Limiting social interaction
We're all in this together and whilst this will be a big change and a big challenge for many of our local families the Secretary of State & Minister for Education in Wales have not taken this decision lightly but it has become clear that we must limit social interaction even more than we have been - to save lives by ensuring our NHS continues to have the capacity to treat the most unwell.
This is a very difficult time for all of us in the Monmouth constituency and across our nation. The things we're being asked to do will make our lives harder. But we’re doing this for each other, and only by working together will we get though this.
Last updated 17 August 2020.
In addition to this, below is a non-exhaustive list of free online education resources that may be useful.
Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.org
Especially good for maths and computing for all ages but other subjects at Secondary level. Note this uses the U.S. grade system but it's mostly common material.
BBC Learning
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/coursesearch/
This site is old and no longer updated and yet there's so much still available, from language learning to BBC Bitesize for revision. No TV licence required except for content on BBC iPlayer.
Hwb
https://hwb.gov.wales/
The Curriculum for Wales and free educational tools and materials.
BBC Bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
Content is being added regularly, including new daily lessons for each Key Stage. No TV licence required except for content on BBC iPlayer.
Futurelearn
https://www.futurelearn.com
Free to access 100s of courses, only pay to upgrade if you need a certificate in your name (own account from age 14+ but younger learners can use a parent account).
Seneca
https://www.senecalearning.com
For those revising at GCSE or A level. Tons of free revision content. Paid access to higher level material.
Openlearn
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/
Free taster courses aimed at those considering Open University but everyone can access it. Adult level, but some e.g. nature and environment courses could well be of interest to young people.
Blockly
https://blockly.games
Learn computer programming skills - fun and free.
Scratch
https://scratch.mit.edu/explore/projects/games/
Creative computer programming
Ted Ed
https://ed.ted.com
All sorts of engaging educational videos
National Geographic Kids
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/
Activities and quizzes for younger kids.
Duolingo
https://www.duolingo.com
Learn languages for free. Web or app.
Mystery Science
https://mysteryscience.com
Free science lessons
The Kids Should See This
https://thekidshouldseethis.com
Wide range of cool educational videos
Crash Course
https://thecrashcourse.com
You Tube videos on many subjects
Crash Course Kids
https://m.youtube.com/user/crashcoursekids
As above for a younger audience
Crest Awards
https://www.crestawards.org
Science awards you can complete from home.
iDEA Awards
https://idea.org.uk
Digital enterprise award scheme you can complete online.
Paw Print Badges
https://www.pawprintbadges.co.uk
Free challenge packs and other downloads. Many activities can be completed indoors. Badges cost but are optional.
Tinkercad
https://www.tinkercad.com
All kinds of making.
Prodigy Maths
https://www.prodigygame.com
Is in U.S. grades, but good for UK Primary age.
Cbeebies Radio
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/radio
Listening activities for the younger ones.
Nature Detectives
https://naturedetectives.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetect…/
A lot of these can be done in a garden, or if you can get to a remote forest location!
British Council
https://www.britishcouncil.org/school-resources/find
Resources for English language learning
Oxford Owl for Home
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/
Lots of free resources for Primary age
Big History Project
https://www.bighistoryproject.com/home
Aimed at Secondary age. Multi disciplinary activities.
Geography Games
https://world-geography-games.com/world.html
Geography gaming!
Blue Peter Badges
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/joinin/about-blue-peter-badges
If you have a stamp and a nearby post box.
The Artful Parent
https://www.facebook.com/artfulparent/
Good, free art activities
Red Ted Art
https://www.redtedart.com
Easy arts and crafts for little ones
The Imagination Tree
https://theimaginationtree.com
Creative art and craft activities for the very youngest.
Toy Theater
https://toytheater.com/
Educational online games
DK Find Out
https://www.dkfindout.com/uk/…
Activities and quizzes
Family Zone
https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/
Ideas and guidance for simple activities that will engage your children at home
Twinkl
https://www.twinkl.co.uk
This is more for printouts, and usually at a fee, but they are offering a month of free access to parents in the event of school closure