Rydal Penrhos School is now offering free childcare for critical keyworkers of non-parents during the coronavirus pandemic.

The school has been providing care for children of Rydal Penrhos parents since last week but is now opening the offer to the wider community after contacting Conwy county council to offer their assistance during this difficult time.

John Waszek, Executive Principal of Rydal Penrhos, said: “Whilst as an independent school our staff are not technically part of the public service, I consider our moral responsibilities to the community mean that we must operate as if we are.

“To do otherwise would, in my opinion, be utterly disloyal. In addition, the school’s mission calls us to service, as does our charitable status.”

The service currently runs from 8.30am-5.30pm from Monday-Friday and those using the provision should bring packed lunches and snacks. Children will be kept busy with projects and outdoor activities under the supervision of staff.

The school is also willing to open earlier from 7am and stay open until 10pm if needed due to shift patterns. The age categories are from Pre-School to Year 9.

Two-year-olds are also being accepted but need to be potty trained. The school is not accepting turn-ups on any specific day due to staffing ratios.

Those attending must meet the critical frontline worker criteria outlined by the government, which can be found online, and trained first aiders are on site each day.

Prep School head Lucy Davies, who is coordinating the care provision, added: “We are practising social distancing at school but it is not practical to keep young children at a two-metre distance so there will be some instances of closer contact.

“We are carefully sterilising the environment each day and taking the temperature of all staff and pupils upon arrival.”

Places are limited so to secure your spot, please contact prep@rydalpenrhos.com or call 01492 530381 at least 24 hours in advance.