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9.
July
2020.
Cardiff Council Update: 9th July

Here is tonight's update from Cardiff Council, covering: reaction to Welsh Government's announcement on school provision from September; outdoor event spaces could be used by businesses looking for socially distanced premises; and a huge thanks to our Litter Champions taking on the Litter Louts.

 

Reaction to Welsh Government's announcement on school provision from September

Welsh Government Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, confirmed today that all pupils will be able to return to school in September.

Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry, said: "Many children and parents across Wales will welcome today's announcement from Welsh Government that all children should return to the classroom, full time from September.

"Over the last few months, an incredible amount of work has been undertaken by our schools to provide learning from home, facilitated by the local authority and our partners. But inevitably, being away from the classroom has meant that children and young people have been missing out. Returning to school is very important for their education, wellbeing and development, however, I know some families will be feeling anxious about this news.

"Ensuring that a full return is managed safely is a priority, and the health and safety of pupils and staff comes first. Cardiff Council will be following Welsh Government guidance and will be working closely with schools to overcome any challenges so that they can welcome pupils back to a safe learning environment next term."

The Minister announced that:

  • Schools will return to full capacity, with only limited social distancing within contact groups.
  • At full operations, a contact group should consist of around 30 children. Some direct or indirect mixing between children in different contact groups will also be unavoidable, such as on transport, receiving specialist teaching or due to staffing constraints.
  • Social distancing for adults should remain in line with regulations and guidance.
  • Schools will be required to minimise the risk of transmission by taking other mitigating measures using the hierarchy of risk controls.
  • Every school should continue to be "Covid Protected" - having carried out risk assessments and mitigated them with a combination of controls such as hand and surface hygiene, one-way systems and so forth.
  • If early warning information shows a local incident or outbreak then nearby schools should implement appropriate restriction measures.
  • Each school will be provided with a supply of home testing kits.

Read more here:

https://gov.wales/education-minister-announces-back-school-plans-september

 

Cardiff outdoor event spaces could be used by businesses that are looking for socially distanced premises

Zumba classes in Bute Park, kettle bells on the lawn at Sophia Gardens or choir practice on the Barrage could all be part of your post-lockdown summer - if plans go ahead to open up some of Cardiff's prime outdoor event spaces to local businesses experiencing issues operating in their normal indoor premises, due to Covid-19.

Cardiff Council has launched a survey today, asking for expressions of interest from local businesses that could be interested in hiring sites in prime city locations including Bute Park, Sophia Gardens and Cardiff Bay.

Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Peter Bradbury said: "As lockdown restrictions ease we're determined to do everything we can to support the local economy and, provided it's possible for the businesses to operate safely, in line with current Coronavirus rules, this could be a really interesting opportunity for some businesses to restart or expand their offering."

The survey suggests that businesses in the health, fitness and performing arts sectors may be particularly interested in the opportunity but welcomes interest from businesses in all areas of the economy provided the activity is covered by current or pre-announced changes to Welsh Government Coronavirus regulations and can be adapted to an outdoor environment.

To register your interest visit:https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/OutdoorSpace

 

Huge thanks to our Litter Champions taking on the Litter Louts

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We've all seen the photos of rubbish strewn in Cardiff but it's time we celebrate our Litter Heroes taking a stand against the lazy litterers!

Over the past three months, our Love Where You Live champions have been really busy on their daily exercise collecting litter throughout Cardiff.

Even though the Keep Tidy Groups have been unable to meet up, many are doing their own household picks to keep momentum going.

So far volunteers have reported they have collected 1,300 bags of waste since the beginning of April, spending over 900 hours litter picking.

This is incredible commitment and we are so grateful to have such wonderful volunteers in Cardiff helping to keep it tidy for everyone.

Thank you everyone for all your hard work.

Please report litter via our website:

https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Rubbish-and-recycling/waste-education-and-enforcement/littering/Pages/default.aspx

Or join thousands of residents and visitors who have downloaded the Cardiff Gov App for a smarter way to connect with council services and report littering here:

https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/cardiff-gov-app/Pages/default.aspx