Many of you have contacted me about the guidance for schools and I spent several hours yesterday trying to get clarity as schools were told to close to most children as of 5pm today.

Early this morning the guidance was published.

Guidance for schools and education providers here.

Guidance for parents and carers here.

Core principles:

Any children who can be cared for at home should be. This is critical. Even if you are a key worker (there is a list in the guidance of who is a key worker for responding to the Covid crisis) if your child can be cared for safely at home, please keep them at home.

Vulnerable children – and this is a long list, not just those with Education and Health Care Plans but includes them – should have provision in school if they need that.

Parents should not rely for childcare on those who are in the social distancing category such as older relatives or friends and family with an underlying health condition.

Parents should ensure children are not socially mixing in ways which could spread the virus – by the way I totally understand that this may be tricky.

Residential special schools, boarding schools and special settings should continue to operate.

Questions I do not yet have an answer for but am following up:

• What happens for other childcare providers, nurseries etc.
• What will happen to exams.
• Whether some schools will close or provide care jointly.