MORE than 10,000 children checked in to Carmarthenshire schools during the first week back.

This includes 6,144 primary school children and 4,226 secondary school pupils, according to council figures.

Some pupils have attended school more than once – with the total number of check-ins for last week exceeding 14,000.

There are approximately 28,000 pupils registered in Carmarthenshire schools and these figures show around 38 per cent of pupils attended school last week.

All pupils are being given the opportunity to check in, catch up and prepare before the summer holidays and the new school year in September.

Schools across the county have reported that both staff and pupils have been happy to return, and that safety measures that had been put in place have been a success.

Children have been split into smaller groups and schools are operating staggered break times, and start and finish times. There are also separate entrances and exits, and one-way systems where possible to help with social distancing.

High touch surfaces are being cleaned regularly throughout the school day, with a full clean taking place every evening. There are hand-sanitisers in every classroom and portable handwashing stations where needed.

Children are being encouraged to safely walk, cycle or scoot to school, or for parents to provide transport, as school transport is operating at a limited capacity.

School meals are not being provided this term and pupils who are in school for a full day are being asked to bring in a packed lunch.

Children that are shielding or are living with someone in this group should not come back this term and should continue learning at home.

Parents who choose not to send their children back will not be fined and will also continue to receive support with home learning.

Term finishes on July 17.

Executive Board Member for Education and Children’s Services Cllr Glynog Davies said: “I am delighted that pupils and staff have had such a great first week back at school. I think it is really important that they have had this opportunity to catch up before the summer holidays.

“I visited Ysgol Brynaman and it was wonderful to see how pleased the children were to be back seeing their friends and teachers for the first time in over three months.

“We have already started to plan for September and as soon as we have further guidance from Welsh Government, we will be able to share these details with parents.”