Education Minister Kirsty Williams has today confirmed that there should be a full return of children to classrooms in Penarth, and the rest of Wales, after the Easter holidays.

The holidays end on 12 April, and the youngest learners in the country returned to their classrooms two weeks ago.

From Monday 15 March, the rest of primary pupils will return, as well as those taking exams.

"It has been wonderful to see our youngest learners back in the classroom with their friends over the last two weeks, and vocational learners starting to return to college," said Ms Williams.

"Next week, we will see the rest of our primary pupils return to school, as well as groups of learners in secondary, and more college students.

"Schools will also have the flexibility to bring in pupils in years 10 and 12, to support them to progress to the next stage of their learning.

"We are also giving schools additional flexibility so that learners in Years 7, 8 and 9 are given the opportunity to check in and spend some valuable time in the school environment with their teachers.

"It is still my expectation that, if the conditions allow, we would see a full return of all learners after the Easter break."

The education minister also announced a further £72 million to support learners as part of the response towards recovery and progression since the pandemic.

The funding will include the continuation of the Recruit, Recover and Raise Standards programme into the next academic year, extra learning resources and support for foundation phase learners in schools and childcare settings that provide early education.

Support will also be targeted at learners in years 11, 12 and 13, to provide additional help with their transition into the next stage of learning.

The funding will also be used to support 1,400 trainee teachers currently in Initial Teacher Education, enabling them to complete their practical experience in the autumn, complete their qualifications and move into full-time teaching.

"We all know it's been a difficult period for learners and staff. Schools and colleges have done terrific work in ensuring learning has continued, while putting preparations in place so the return of learners is as smooth as possible," said Ms Williams.

"I know that extra help is needed, especially for learners at key stages in their academic careers and in their lives. As learners continue to go back to face-to-face learning, we are providing this additional funding to ensure support is in place when our young people return to the classroom."

Speaking today on International Women's Day, the Education Minister also praised the work of women working to combat the virus.

"I'm so proud to see so many women in the fields of science and medicine spearhead the fight against Covid-19 – not to mention the thousands of inspirational women teachers, teaching assistants, schools and college support staff, lecturers, and all the other women in our education family who are inspiring the next generation of young women and men," she said.