Education secretary Gavin Williamson has announced that schools across England are to close on Friday “until further notice”.
He made the announcement in Parliament following growing pressure to close schools over concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.
The announcement came shortly before it was revealed GCSEs and A levels would be cancelled this year.
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“The spike of a virus is increasing at a faster pace than anticipated,” he told MPs. “It is crucial that we consider the right measures to arrest this increase and to relieve the pressure on the health system.”
Mr Williamson said: “Schools are increasingly finding it more difficult to continue as normal as illness and self-isolation impacts on staffing levels and pupil attendance.
“I want to provide staff and parents, students and staff with the certainty they need. After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon they will remain closed until further notice.
“This will be for all children except those of key workers and children who are most vulnerable.”
He added: “The scientific advice is that it is safe for this small number of children to stay attending.”
He said key workers included NHS staff, police and delivery drivers and that vulnerable children included those who have social workers and those who have education, health and care plans (EHCPs).
It was also announced earlier today that schools in Scotland and Wales will close at the end of this week as the response to the coronavirus is stepped up.
Geoff Barton, Association of School and College Leaders general secretary, said: “We support the decision to close schools and colleges in England, and the corresponding decisions which have taken place in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland today. It is the right action at the right time.
“The priority is now to focus on maintaining provision for vulnerable children and those of key workers. We know that many schools have already drawn up plans to do exactly that and are well ahead of the curve.
“However, this is an exceptionally demanding situation and they will need support.”
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT school leaders’ union, said: “Today’s decision is a vote of confidence in how schools have responded so far. Schools can be confident they are doing a good job. Now, they should also be entitled to expect the necessary support from other organisations with civic responsibilities.”
Yesterday, Mr Williamson defended the decisions to keep schools in England open, which he said was based on medical and scientific advice.
He also told the Association of School and College Leaders’ annual conference last week that a widespread closure of schools would impact on the NHS because staff would have to take time off to look after their children.