Leaked document shows no-deal Brexit school chaos

A leaked government document has shown the potential issues for schools of a no-deal Brexit.

Obtained by the Observer, the document details how exams could be disrupted and fresh food for pupils’ meals could run short because of panic buying leading to soaring prices.

The document also raises concerns of teacher absences caused by travel disruption.

The document ranks the level of risks under a colour-coded system: green is where the department is confident the risks can be dealt with and delivery of services maintained as normal; amber is where delivery is “feasible but significant issues already exist requiring management attention”; and red is where delivery of normal services “appears to be undeliverable”.

Amber warnings were given to the issues relating to school food and travel disruption that could lead to school closures and exam disruption.

In a section entitled School Food, it talks of the “risk that communications in this area could spark undue alarm or panic food buying among the general public”.

Talking about the action the government would take regarding school food, the document says: “In light of any food shortages or price increases we will communicate how schools can interpret the food menu standards flexibly. DfE may make exceptional payments – or submit a prepared bid to HM Treasury for additional funding. Worst case scenario estimate of the increased costs – £40 to £85m a year for schools in relation to free school meal provision based on price increases of 10-20%.”

Shadow education secretary Angela Rayner said: “This document lays bare the potential consequences of a disastrous no-deal Brexit for our schools and nurseries, and the parents and children who rely on them. By the government’s own admission, head teachers may be left unable to feed their pupils or forced to close their doors entirely.

“With our education system already at breaking point after years of Tory budget cuts, being forced to prepare for this kind of chaos is the last thing that schools and nurseries need. Boris Johnson must abandon his irresponsible and expensive obsession with no deal,” she said.