Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, responds to the announcement that schools in England will close due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“Schools have been struggling to stay open because of staff shortages and today’s decision provides much needed clarity for head teachers, parents and families. It is important that schools will be kept partially open to provide childcare for parents unable to work at home because they are leading local efforts to tackle the coronavirus crisis.
“Councils and schools will continue to do all they can to try and ensure vulnerable pupils, including those on free school meals and those with special educational needs and disabilities, can continue to be provided for.”