We’ve received the following message from AHOEC/OEAP representatives:

“Just a brief update on the AHOEC/OEAP meeting with the team from WG education last week. There was much discussion on overseas visits which probably doesn’t impact on the Wales based OL sector too much but will be important for advisers and anyone who is arranging expeditions. Putting it as simply as possible it is a very difficult situation and WG will update their website to add a signpost to an FAQ on the OEAP page (which is being created/updated). For further info contact your OEAP member.

“As restrictions in Wales ease (being reviewed again on Feb 11th), schools are being handed back more control to manage risk/benefits on a more local level. You may be aware some authorities are asking children to LFT if there are a certain number of positive cases of Covid in their class, but this varies between authority. The main issue identified at the moment is the difficulty in gaining cover staff to ensure visits can happen.

“We are also trying to engage directly with the education minister to raise awareness of the sector, and perhaps get him to an OL event at a centre, and will keep you updated how this progresses – needless to say he is a busy man so trying to get a meeting request in front of him is challenging!

“As always please feel free to contact us for more details.”