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Schools across the UK will close for all children except those who are classed as “vulnerable” and those who have “key workers” as parents.
Education secretary Gavin Williamson made the announcement was made on Wednesday, as part of the country’s ongoing response to coronavirus.
All UK schools will close their gates for the last time on Friday to the majority of children – until further notice.
He told MPs: “I want to provide 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 for those of key workers and children who are most vulnerable.
“The scientific advice shows that the settings are safe for this small number of children attending, but asking others to stay will just go towards helping us slow the spread of this virus.”
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Mr Williamson said examples of key workers include NHS staff, police and delivery drivers. This is to ensure public services can continue to operate.
Who are key workers?
According to gov.uk, examples of these workers include NHS staff, police and supermarket delivery drivers who need to be able to go to work to support the country’s fight to tackle coronavirus.
The Government has not released a full list of key workers for this situation, however in recent days, schools have been asking parents if they work in any of the following categories:
- National Health Service
- Armed forces
- Teachers and childcare staff
- Care home workers
- Social workers
- Police officers, community support, civilian staff
- Prison officer or other probation staff
- Firefighters
- Local authority planners
- Environmental health officers
- Highway Agency traffic officers
Who are vulnerable children?
Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with an educational health and care plan (EHCP) – a legal document that describes a child’s special educational needs and the support they require.
Children who do not fall into these two groups should remain at home with “appropriate care”. Nurseries, private schools and sixth forms should also follow this guidance.
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Boris Johnson has urged parents not to leave their children with grandparents who could be more susceptible to Covid-19.
The Government has so far resisted calls to close schools due to the fact NHS workers are among those who may need to stay home and look after their children.
But head teachers warned they were so short-staffed due to Covid-19 that they were struggling to stay open.
Ofsted will cease all inspections of schools and colleges with immediate effect. There will not be any primary school assessments or secondary exams this summer, and performance tables will not be published.
(Image: PA Wire)
Mr Williamson said: “Fighting coronavirus and protecting the vulnerable and our NHS are the Government’s top priorities right now.
“That’s why we are asking schools, nurseries and colleges to close – except for vulnerable children and the children of key workers.
“We are facing increasingly extraordinary circumstances, but by asking schools to support our key workers and vulnerable children I am confident we will help beat this virus.
“I am deeply grateful for the civic spirit and dedication of everyone working in education, and I will continue to provide my full support throughout this crisis.”
To support children eligible for free school meals, schools will be able to purchase meals or vouchers for supermarkets or local shops.
The government has also confirmed that the total value of vouchers offered to each eligible child per week will exceed the rate it pays to schools for free school meals, recognising that families will not be buying food in bulk and may therefore incur higher costs. The final amounts will be confirmed shortly.
Today the death toll in the UK reached 104 – and that number is expected to rise in the coming days and weeks.
