Plaid Cymru renews calls to address digital divide as mass testing is announced in schools

RESPONDING to the news that rapid coronavirus testing will be rolled out across schools and colleges in Wales from January, Plaid Cymru Shadow Education Minister Siân Gwenllian MS said,

“Mass testing programmes in schools and colleges are a really important step in keeping our learning environments safe. Plaid Cymru has been calling for this since the summer, but schools must get the support they need to roll this out properly.

“Staff in schools have had to adapt very quickly to changing circumstances, often at the last minute. This is a huge additional responsibility and extra staff and resources will be needed to support a workforce which is already dealing with so many challenges and strains.

“In addition, as positive cases are found and children are asked to self-isolate, focus must be brought on ensuring that every child can access on-line learning. Welsh Government must get a grasp on the extent of the digital divide in Wales, and take action to ensure that no learner is left behind during this time.”