On 18 March, Prime Minister announced schools will close from 20 March until further notice.
Early years provision, private schools and sixth form colleges are also expected to follow government advice, the Prime Minister said.
Exceptions will be made for the children of key workers during the epidemic including parents in the emergency services and the NHS, delivery drivers, and care workers for the elderly and vulnerable, Boris Johnson said during a daily press conference in Westminster.
Looked-after children, children who have a social worker and children with education, health and care plan, are also expected to attend school on Monday, Johnson added.
Children eligible for free school meals will receive vouchers for supermarkets for the duration of the closures while schools which have already paid-out for compensation will be reimbursed.
Exams planned for May and June, including SATs, GCSEs, AS- and A-Levels, will be cancelled along with school league tables, the government has said.
Johnson reiterated a plea to parents not to leave children with elderly relatives who are more susceptible to the effects of coronavirus while schools are closed.
At the DfE we’ve set up a helpline offering guidance for anyone with education related questions – from early years up to universities, plus parents.
