THE new school year has begun in North Wales as teachers and pupils return for an autumn term that looks different to any other.

Primary and secondary schools reopen from Tuesday, September 1, with new measures and restrictions in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

It follows the Welsh Government decision to commence with full attendance classrooms after a continued and steady decline in Covid-19 cases in August.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) reported three new cases of coronavirus on Monday, August 31, including one in Conwy, one in Flintshire and one on Anglesey.

Government guidance says schools must have carried out a risk assessment and provide mitigations such as hand sanitiser, home testing kits and one-way systems. Schools will look to limit contact groups to around 30 pupils subject to staff numbers, but the Welsh Government admitted that social distancing will be “unavoidable” on school transport. Staff themselves will be expected to follow current coronavirus regulations.

Pupils that show symptoms of Covid-19 will be sent home and adhere to self-isolation until they receive a test. The contact tracing system will be used in schools if there is a positive case.

The autumn term follows a turbulent summer in which the Welsh Government was forced to U-turn on the GCSE results it awarded by algorithm, after it was criticised for harshly downgrading students. It is also considering extending the 2021 summer exam timetable and changing the assessment process to help pupils adapt to their studies.

Education minister Kirsty Williams said: “This week is a big week for children, young people, parents, carers and school staff right across Wales.

“We now know a lot more about the virus than we did back in March and find ourselves in a better place, with a balance of risk now overwhelmingly in favour of children returning to school.

“We also now that going back to school is critical for children’s development, health and well-being, and especially for those who are most vulnerable in our communities.

“Children and young people all over Wales will now be able to see more of their friends, have that crucial time with their teachers and progress in their education.”

A Denbighshire County Council spokesperson said: "All the best to our pupils returning to school this week.

"Schools have worked hard to get plans in place for the new term."