Letter to Parents September opening

Dear Parents/Carers,
I’m writing to inform you of the latest updated position about the ‘back to school’ plans for
September for Rhondda Cynon Taf schools. The Minister for Education in Wales (Kirsty Williams)
confirmed on the 9th of July 2020 that all pupils will be able to return to school in September. The
Welsh Technical Advisory Group, which provides scientific and technical advice to Government
during emergencies, last week recommended to the Minister that schools “plan to open in
September with 100% of pupils physically present on school sites, subject to a continuing, steady
decline in the presence of COVID-19 in the community.”
The Minister also announced that:
 Schools will return to full capacity, with only limited social distancing within contact groups.
 At full operation, a contact group should consist of around 30 children. Some direct or
indirect mixing between children in different contact groups will also be unavoidable, such
as on transport, receiving specialist teaching or due to staffing constraints.
 Social distancing for adults should remain in line with regulations and guidance.
 Schools will be required to minimise the risk of transmission by taking other mitigating
measures using the hierarchy of risk controls.
 Every school should continue to be “COVID Protected” - having carried out risk
assessments and mitigated them with a combination of controls such as hand and surface
hygiene, one-way systems and so forth.
 If early warning information shows a local incident or outbreak then nearby schools should
implement appropriate restriction measures.
 Each school will be provided with a supply of home testing kits.
To:
Parents/Carers Gofynnwch Am:
Please Ask For:
Gaynor Davies
Rhif Est:
Telephone No:
01443 744001
Ffacs:
Fax:
E-Bost:
E-Mail:
Cylchlythyr:
Circular:
Fy nghyf:
My Ref:
GD/TM
Eich Cyf:
Your Ref:
Dyddiad:
Date:
15th July 2020
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The Minister confirmed that the autumn term will start on the 1st of September 2020. Our learners
will return to school from the 3rd of September following a period of school preparation and
planning for assessing risk and putting in place control measures, and processes and procedures
for keeping learners and staff safe once everyone returns to school. From the 3rd of September
2020, learners will undergo a phased return to school over a period of a week with all learners in
Rhondda Cynon Taf accessing school by the 10th of September 2020.
There will be a period of flexibility in recognition that schools may want to focus on priority year
groups, such as those attending learning support classes attached to mainstream schools. At
primary level, priority groups may also include learners in the early years or year 6; and at
secondary level, learners who are new to secondary school or are due to sit examinations next
summer. For further guidance please refer to: https://gov.wales/operational-guidance-schoolsand-
settings-autumn-term-covid-19
Thankfully, we have seen a significant fall in COVID-19 cases locally and nationally and your
actions have made a big contribution to this. We know that some families and children have found
lockdown very difficult to cope with. Some will have been personally affected by loss and grief,
others will have encountered financial challenges and we have all experienced change and
uncertainty. In this next phase, schools can open to deliver maximum learning with minimal
disruption for our young people. There will be some challenges to re-opening all schools for all
learners across the County, particularly as each school has its own context. However, school
leaders and the local authority are working together to establish the best approach that is right for
each context and we are delighted to be welcoming all learners back to our schools across the
County Borough. The many happy and smiling faces that have been so evident in our schools in
recent weeks is testimony to the enjoyment that so many have felt being back amongst friends
and school staff, and learning in their community schools.
We know you will feel uncertain and will have many questions about your child’s individual
circumstances. A frequently asked questions link will shortly be posted on the Council website
and will hopefully answer all potential queries that you may have. This will be available at
www.rctcbc.gov.uk/schoolreturnfaqs on Thursday, 16th of July.
Pupils who are in receipt of a shielding letter due to their medical vulnerability or who live in a
household with someone who is in receipt of a shielding letter should not, based on the current
medical advice return to school. However, this ‘shielding category’ is due for a review in mid-
August 2020 so could change. If that is the case then further guidance will be shared with all
parents and carers. Until that position is clarified, these children are likely to continue to access
digital learning opportunities and remote school support.
School leadership teams will be carrying out risk assessments to help them identify the approach
that is right in your child’s school. Each school will implement plans which may vary across the
local authority, with different year groups being prioritised for a return to school. Each school will
be in touch with parents and carers to share this information prior to the summer break.
Schools will work very differently, at least for the first half term. Classes and year groups will be
placed into contact groups and social contact across groups minimised. Schools will implement
regular hand washing/use of sanitiser and social distancing routines, with staggered break/lunch
times and start/finish times. We will be working closely with schools and governors to try to ensure
consistency in terms of principles and approaches across the County Borough.
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Further details are awaited in relation to school transport and Welsh Government guidance is due
to be issued. We ask that parents and carers help communicate to pupils the importance of
following social distancing, effective hygiene and respiratory controls as this will play a key role
in keeping everyone safe.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council continues to work closely with all our schools who have done a
fantastic job in delivering childcare throughout the term, including holiday periods and weekends,
under very difficult conditions. They have also provided digital learning, wellbeing support and a
phased return to school during the last 3 weeks which we hope has made a difference during the
pandemic. I would like to extend my thanks to you too for the invaluable home learning
opportunities that you have provided during these challenging few months and for making a
positive difference. This is hugely appreciated.
If your child is expecting summer examination results there will be an opportunity for these to be
picked up from the school on the designated date, with some significant changes to procedures.
This experience will be very different this academic year and schools will be required to allow
small groups of learners only into the school building to collect their results at set times, so as to
manage the flow of learners and maintain social distancing. Learners will also not be allowed to
congregate in large groups outside the school due to the potential risks this is likely to pose. It is
recognised that this will be difficult due to the obvious emotions associated with the day but this
is an essential requirement to keep everyone safe. Schools will provide follow up opportunities
for learners and their families if they require support and guidance. To assist families with any
queries that they may have about the examination changes, a frequently asked questions
document been prepared for information. This can be accessed by visiting www.rctcbc.gov.uk
and clicking on the ‘Latest Schools Information’ section on the home page.
Your child’s headteacher will inform you shortly of the imminent plans for the autumn term and/or
examination results day arrangements if applicable. During the school closure period, if there are
updates from the Education Directorate these will be provided via the Council website. In the
meantime, I hope you have a lovely summer.
Thank you in anticipation of your continued support.
Yours sincerely,
Director of Education and Inclusion Services

Annwyl Rieni/Cynhalwyr (Gofalwyr),
Dyma roi gwybod i chi am sefyllfa ddiweddaraf trefniadau 'Yn ôl i'r Ysgol' ym mis Medi ar gyfer
ysgolion Rhondda Cynon Taf. Ar 9 Gorffennaf 2020, cadarnhaodd Kirsty Williams, y Gweinidog
Addysg yng Nghymru, y bydd pob disgybl yn gallu dychwelyd i'r ysgol ym mis Medi. Yr wythnos
ddiwethaf, rhoddodd Grŵp Cynghori Technegol Cymru, sy'n darparu cyngor gwyddonol a
thechnegol i'r Llywodraeth yn ystod argyfyngau, argymhelliad i'r Gweinidog y dylai ysgolion
"drefnu i agor ym mis Medi gyda 100% o ddisgyblion yn mynychu ar y safle, a hynny'n amodol ar
lefel COVID-19 yn y gymuned yn lleihau'n barhaus ac yn gyson."
Cyhoeddodd y Gweinidog hefyd:
 Bydd ysgolion yn dychwelyd i'w capasiti llawn, gyda dim ond ychydig o fesurau cadw pellter
cymdeithasol mewn grwpiau cyswllt.
 Pan fydd ysgol yn gweithredu ar gapasiti llawn, dylai grŵp cyswllt gynnwys tua 30 o blant.
Bydd rhywfaint o gymysgu uniongyrchol neu anuniongyrchol rhwng plant mewn grwpiau
cyswllt gwahanol hefyd yn anochel, e.e. ar gludiant i'r ysgol, wrth dderbyn addysg arbenigol
neu oherwydd cyfyngiadau staffio.
 Dylai mesurau cadw pellter cymdeithasol i oedolion barhau, yn unol â'r rheoliadau a'r
canllawiau.
 Bydd yn ofynnol i ysgolion leihau'r risg o drosglwyddo'r feirws drwy gymryd mesurau lliniaru
eraill gan ddefnyddio'r hierarchaeth o fesurau rheoli risg.
 Dylai pob ysgol barhau i "ddiogelu'i hun rhag COVID-19", a hynny ar ôl cynnal asesiadau
risg. Dylai ysgolion liniaru'r risgiau yma drwy gyfuniad o fesurau rheoli fel sicrhau hylendid
dwylo ac arwynebau, systemau unffordd ac ati.
 Os bydd systemau rhybuddion cynnar yn nodi gwybodaeth am ddigwyddiad neu achos
lleol, yna dylai ysgolion cyfagos roi mesurau cyfyngu priodol ar waith.
 Bydd pob ysgol yn derbyn cyflenwad o becynnau profi gartref.
At
sylw:
Rhieni/Cynhalwyr Gofynnwch am:
Please Ask For:
Gaynor Davies
Rhif Est:
Telephone No:
01443 744001
Ffacs:
Fax:
E-bost:
E-Mail:
Cylchlythyr:
Circular:
Fy Nghyf:
My Ref:
GD/TM
Eich Cyf:
Your Ref:
Dyddiad:
Date:
15 Gorffennaf 2020
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Cadarnhaodd y Gweinidog y bydd tymor yr hydref yn dechrau ar 1 Medi 2020. Bydd ein disgyblion yn dychwelyd i'r ysgol ar 3 Medi. Erbyn hyn bydd ysgolion wedi cael cyfnod o baratoi a chynllunio ar gyfer asesu risgiau a rhoi mesurau rheoli ar waith. Byddan nhw hefyd wedi addasu prosesau a gweithdrefnau ar gyfer cadw disgyblion a staff yn ddiogel wrth i bawb ddychwelyd i'r ysgol. O 3 Medi 2020, bydd disgyblion yn mynd yn ôl i'r ysgol yn raddol dros gyfnod o wythnos. Bydd holl ddisgyblion Rhondda Cynon Taf yn ôl yn yr ysgol erbyn 10 Medi 2020.
Bydd modd bod yn hyblyg ac rydyn ni'n cydnabod efallai y bydd ysgolion am ganolbwyntio ar grwpiau blwyddyn â blaenoriaeth, e.e. y rheiny sy'n mynychu dosbarthiadau cynnal dysgu sy'n gysylltiedig ag ysgolion prif ffrwd. O ran ysgolion cynradd, gall grwpiau â blaenoriaeth hefyd gynnwys disgyblion yn y blynyddoedd cynnar neu flwyddyn 6. O ran ysgolion uwchradd, gall hyn olygu disgyblion sy'n newydd i'r ysgol uwchradd neu sydd i fod i sefyll arholiadau yr haf nesaf. I gael canllawiau pellach, ewch i: https://llyw.cymru/canllawiau-gweithredol-ar-gyfer-ysgolion-lleoliadau-o-dymor-yr-hydref-covid-19
Yn ffodus, mae nifer yr achosion o COVID-19 ledled y wlad wedi gostwng, ac mae'r camau rydych chi wedi'u cymryd wedi cyfrannu'n sylweddol at hyn. Rydyn ni hefyd yn gwybod bod rhai teuluoedd a phlant wedi'i chael hi'n anodd ymdopi â'r cyfyngiadau. Bydd colled a galar wedi effeithio'n bersonol ar rai, bydd eraill wedi wynebu heriau ariannol ac mae pawb wedi profi newid ac ansicrwydd. Yn ystod y cam nesaf yma, gall ysgolion agor gyda'r ddarpariaeth ddysgu fwyaf posibl, gan darfu cyn lleied â phosibl ar ein pobl ifainc. Bydd rhai heriau wrth ail-agor pob ysgol i holl ddisgyblion y Sir, gan fod pob ysgol yn wahanol i'w gilydd. Serch hynny, mae carfanau rheoli ysgolion a'r Awdurdod Lleol yn gweithio ar y cyd i sefydlu'r dull gorau i bob ysgol ac rydyn ni'n falch iawn o groesawu'r holl ddisgyblion yn ôl i'n hysgolion ledled y Fwrdeistref Sirol. Mae'r ffaith bod cymaint o hapusrwydd i'w weld ar wynebau ein disgyblion yn ein hysgolion yn ystod yr wythnosau diwethaf yn profi cymaint maen nhw wedi mwynhau bod yn ôl yng nghwmni'u ffrindiau a staff yr ysgol, a dysgu yn eu hysgolion yn y gymuned.
Rydyn ni'n gwybod y byddwch chi'n teimlo'n ansicr a bod gyda chi lawer o gwestiynau am amgylchiadau unigol eich plentyn. Bydd dolen i Gwestiynau Cyffredin ar gael ar wefan y Cyngor maes o law. Ein gobaith yw y bydd yn ateb pob ymholiad posibl. Bydd modd dod o hyd i'r Cwestiynau Cyffredin o ddydd Iau 16 Gorffennaf yma:
www.rctcbc.gov.uk/CwestiynauCyffredinDychwelydirYsgol
Ddylai disgyblion sydd wedi derbyn llythyr gwarchod oherwydd eu bod yn agored i niwed o safbwynt meddygol, neu sy'n byw yn yr un tŷ â rhywun sydd wedi derbyn llythyr gwarchod, ddim dychwelyd i'r ysgol (yn seiliedig ar gyngor meddygol cyfredol). Serch hynny, caiff y ‘categori gwarchod’ ei adolygu yng nghanol mis Awst 2020 felly mae’n bosibl bydd y sefyllfa’n newid. Os bydd y sefyllfa’n newid, bydd cyfarwyddyd pellach yn cael ei rannu â holl rieni a chynhalwyr. Ar hyn o bryd, y disgwyl yw bydd y plant yma'n parhau i fanteisio ar gyfleoedd dysgu digidol a chymorth gan yr ysgol o bell.
Bydd carfanau rheoli ysgolion yn cynnal asesiadau risg i'w helpu i nodi'r dull sydd orau ar gyfer ysgol eich plentyn. Bydd pob ysgol yn gweithredu cynlluniau a all fod yn wahanol i'w gilydd ledled yr Awdurdod Lleol, gyda gwahanol grwpiau blwyddyn yn cael eu blaenoriaethu o ran dychwelyd i'r ysgol. Bydd pob ysgol yn cysylltu â rhieni a chynhalwyr i rannu'r wybodaeth yma cyn gwyliau'r haf.
Bydd ysgolion yn gweithio'n wahanol iawn, o leiaf am ran gynta'r hanner tymor. Bydd dosbarthiadau a grwpiau blwyddyn yn cael eu rhoi mewn grwpiau cyswllt a bydd cyswllt cymdeithasol rhwng grwpiau'n cael ei leihau cymaint â phosibl. Bydd ysgolion yn gweithredu arferion golchi dwylo/defnydd o hylif glanhau dwylo a chadw pellter cymdeithasol rheolaidd, a bydd grwpiau'n cael gwahanol amseroedd egwyl/cinio a dechrau/gorffen yr ysgol. Byddwn ni'n gweithio'n agos gydag ysgolion a llywodraethwyr i geisio sicrhau cysondeb o ran egwyddorion a dull gweithredu ledled y Fwrdeistref Sirol.
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Rydyn ni'n aros am ragor o fanylion am cludiant rhwng y catref a’r ysgol ac mae disgwyl i Lywodraeth Cymru gyhoeddi canllawiau hefyd. Dyma ofyn i rieni a chynhalwyr helpu i esbonio i ddisgyblion bwysigrwydd mesurau cadw pellter cymdeithasol ac arferion effeithiol o ran golchi dwylo a'r hyn i'w wneud wrth disian neu beswch er mwyn helpu'r feirws rhag lledaenu, gan bydd y rhain yn chwarae rhan allweddol wrth gadw pawb yn ddiogel.
Mae Cyngor Rhondda Cynon Taf yn parhau i weithio'n agos gyda'n holl ysgolion sydd wedi gwneud gwaith gwych yn darparu gofal plant drwy gydol y tymor, gan gynnwys yn ystod gwyliau ysgol a phenwythnosau o dan amodau anodd iawn. Maen nhw hefyd wedi darparu gwersi digidol a chymorth lles i'ch plentyn/plant, yn ogystal â phroses dychwelyd i'r ysgol yn raddol yn ystod y 3 wythnos diwethaf, ac rydyn ni'n gobeithio bod hyn wedi gwneud gwahaniaeth yn ystod y pandemig. Hoffwn i hefyd ddiolch i chi am y cyfleoedd dysgu gartref gwerthfawr rydych wedi'u darparu i'ch plentyn/plant dros y misoedd diwethaf ac am wneud gwahaniaeth cadarnhaol. Rydyn ni'n gwerthfawrogi'r gwaith yma'n fawr.
Os yw eich plentyn yn disgwyl canlyniadau arholiadau'r haf yma, bydd modd eu casglu o'r ysgol ar y dyddiad dynodedig. Yn naturiol, bydd rhai newidiadau sylweddol i'r gweithdrefnau arferol. Bydd y profiad yma'n wahanol iawn eleni a bydd yn ofynnol i ysgolion ganiatáu i grwpiau bach o ddisgyblion yn unig fynd i mewn i adeilad yr ysgol i gasglu eu canlyniadau ar adegau penodol, a hynny er mwyn rheoli llif unigolion a chynnal mesurau cadw pellter cymdeithasol. Fydd disgyblion hefyd ddim yn cael ymgynnull mewn grwpiau mawr y tu allan i'r ysgol oherwydd y risgiau posibl y mae hyn yn debygol o'u peri. Dyma gydnabod y bydd hyn yn anodd gan fod y diwrnod yn un emosiynol, ond mae'n ofyniad hanfodol er mwyn cadw pawb yn ddiogel. Bydd ysgolion yn darparu cyfleoedd wedi hyn i ddisgyblion a'u teuluoedd os oes angen cymorth ac arweiniad arnyn nhw. I helpu teuluoedd gydag unrhyw ymholiadau am newidiadau i'r arholiadau, mae dogfen Cwestiynau Cyffredin ar gael er gwybodaeth. Mae modd dod o hyd i'r Cwestiynau Cyffredin yma: www.rctcbc.gov.uk a chlicio ar adran ‘Newyddion Ysgolion’ ar y dudalen hafan.
Bydd Pennaeth ysgol eich plentyn yn rhoi gwybod i chi am drefniadau tymor yr hydref yn y man, a/neu drefniadau diwrnod canlyniadau arholiadau os yw'n berthnasol. Os bydd y Gyfarwyddiaeth Addysg yn diweddaru unrhyw wybodaeth pan fydd yr ysgol ar gau, bydd y Cyngor yn cyhoeddi'r newyddion yma ar ei wefan. Yn y cyfamser, dyma obeithio y cewch chi haf hyfryd.
Diolch ymlaen llaw am barhau i roi'ch cefnogaeth.
Yn gywir,
Cyfarwyddwr Addysg a Gwasanaethau Cynhwysiant