Williamson announces school closures in England

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has told the House of Commons that schools in England will close after the end of the school day on Friday (20 March).

The policy includes the caveat that children of key workers, such as NHS workers and police officers, and the most vulnerable children will still be expected to go to school - which the government maintains is a safe environment. This means that parents who are nurses and health workers will still be able to go to work. Children who are deemed the most vulnerable will include children with education, health and care plans.

Williamson told MPs that schools in England will remain closed from Friday until further notice as ministers accept that the balance of risk has changed. With fewer children in schools, it is hoped that the move will slow the spread of the disease. Ministers have not detailed how long the closures will last.

The decision means that examinations this year will be interupted and not go ahead as usual. Further news on this is likely to follow in the coming days, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson stressed in his daily news conference that the government will make sure children get the qualifications they need.

Colleges, sixth form colleges, nurseries and private schools will be expected to do the same and close from 20 March.

Williamson also announced that the government will establish a voucher scheme to make up for free school meals.

The Scottish and Welsh governments had previously announced school closures from the end of the week, with Northern Ireland also announcing immediate measures to shut schools from 18 March.