SCHOOLS in Wales will not re-open next week, and there is no certainty as to when closure will be reconsidered, said education minister Kirsty Williams AM.

Conversations are happening this week between the Welsh Government and the UK Government on continuing lockdown preparations and a possible lifting of the restrictions, and Ms Williams expects a statement on the matter later this week from First Minister Mark Drakeford.

When schools closed in Wales on March 20, next week was set out as first base for the review process.

During the Welsh Government's daily coronavirus briefing today, Ms Williams also explained her concern for the welfare of children at this time, and said that for that reason the government would be issuing an additional £1.25m for school counselling services.

"Schools in Wales will not re-open next week and no changes are imminent," she said.

"We will only open the schools back up when science and medical advice say it is safe to do so.

"At this moment I have not received advice that it is safe for children to still be in schools."

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Ms Williams said it is "unhelpful to speculate" on when schools might re-open, but said that when schools do re-open it "cannot be business as usual".

"Due to social distancing guidelines, it might be the case that part of the cohort returns."

On the issue of child welfare and new funding, she said: "With the necessary restrictions on how much time children can spend outdoors in order to halt the spread of the virus, we must also be prepared for an impact on children’s emotional wellbeing.

"We need to start addressing issues now, not store them up for after the lockdown."

Ms Williams also moved to quell fears that students will not receive the grades they deserve, even though there is still a lack of clarity on how those grades will be decided.

She said predicted grades are only one part of a much bigger and "thorough" process between teachers and the exam board.

She added that the process will maintain the integrity of the education system, and said students can be "confident" they will get the grades they deserve.