AN Ystalyfera school is to become a hub for childcare for critical workers fighting the Coronavirus.

Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur is one of eight schools in Neath Port Talbot which will be transformed next week to support key workers.

From Monday, April 20, childcare for critical workers in Neath Port Talbot will be delivered from eight hubs, modelled on the provision facilitated over the Easter period.

The hubs will provide childcare for critical workers who are still required to attend their jobs during the coronavirus outbreak.

They will also provide care for children who have been identified as vulnerable by the school and the council.

The children must be of school age to attend one of the hubs.

The other childcare hubs will be located at the following schools:

• Waunceirch Primary

• Ysgol Bae Baglan

• Ysgol Awel y Môr

• Ysgol Cwm Brombil

• Dŵr y Felin Comprehensive

• Catwg Primary

• Cwm Nedd Primary schools

Councillor Peter Rees, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture, said: “We are extremely grateful to and proud of our school based staff who are committed to providing safe childcare facilities for children whose parents are seeking to protect lives in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is also important that we continue to minimise the numbers of staff attending the childcare hubs where possible.

"Therefore, we want to remind parents that the hubs are only open to children of critical workers and vulnerable children who must make use of them and are unable to stay at home safely.”

All of the childcare hubs will be managed in accordance with government guidance on social distancing and hygiene.

Headteachers from all schools in Neath Port Talbot will be contacting parents this week to inform them of the opening times and transport arrangements.

The most recent list of what professions are classed as critical workers can be found on the Welsh Government website gov.wales/coronavirus-key-critical-workers .