Commenting on today’s statement by the Welsh Government on Covid-19 testing in schools, Laura Doel, director of school leaders’ union, NAHT Cymru, said: “We welcome the continuation of lateral flow testing as one of a number of mitigation measures. However, while lateral flow tests have a role to play in preventing the spread of Covid-19, they should not be the only measure to rely on.

“It is vital that, as cases in Wales start to rise, we maintain robust measures in schools to protect learners and staff. Indeed, the First Minister has not ruled out bringing in national restrictions once again.

“While we wait for the new guidance on Covid mitigation measures in schools to be published by the Welsh Government, now is not the time to be complacent and rush to return to pre-pandemic norms when the threat of the virus still remains high.

“We want the return to school to be sustainable to ensure learners are able to remain in school safely.”