Schools in Scotland and Wales to close

Schools in Scotland and Wales are to close from Friday 20 March in response to the coronavirus epidemic.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stated that schools have now lost too many staff to continue as normal and arrangements were being put in place, whilst Kirsty Williams, the Welsh Education Minister, said she was bringing forward the Easter break.

In England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told fellow MPs that further decisions on school closures would be ‘be taken imminently’.

It is expected that Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will make a Commons statement at around 5pm.

Sturgeon said that the Scottish government will be focusing on three things as schools close: supporting vulnerable students particularly those who rely on free school meals; addressing the issues with exams; and placing arrangements that provide some kind of support and care for key workers’ children.

She also told press officers in Edinburgh that people should not assume that schools and nurseries will reopen after the Easter break or summer holiday.

Williams said in a statement: “Today, I can announce we are bringing forward the Easter break for schools in Wales. Schools across Wales will close for statutory provision of education at the latest on 20 March 2020. I have been clear up to now that the continuity of education and the wellbeing of our learners has been at the heart of my decision making. This will always be the case.

“From next week, schools will have a new purpose. They will help support those most in need, including people involved in the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak. I am working with my colleagues in the cabinet, with government officials and our partners in local government to develop and finalise these plans.

“The key areas we are looking at are supporting and safeguarding the vulnerable and ensuring continuity of learning. We are looking in detail at how we can support and safeguard all those who benefit from free school meals and children with additional learning needs. I will make sure you are kept up-to-date.”