A ‘skeleton’ school service will remain to care for the children of key workers on the front line, such as NHS staff, police and other blue light services and delivery drivers. These children will also continue to get childcare throughout the Easter holidays.

This is the first nationwide school shutdown of its kind in modern UK history.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced the shutdown in the commons yesterday.

He said: “After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon, they will remain closed until further notice. This will be for all children except to those of key workers and where children who are most vulnerable.

“The scientific advice shows that these settings are safe for this small number of children to continue attending”

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When will schools reopen?

In his daily address to the nation yesterday evening the Prime Minister said: “Looking at the curve of the disease and looking at where we are now – we think now that we must apply downward pressure, further downward pressure on that upward curve by closing the schools.”

“We will try to keep it to an absolute minimum. I wish I could give you an answer for how long it is going to be.”

Mr Johnson added childcare for key workers’ children is “crucial to make sure the critical parts of the economy keep functioning.”

Ministers are due to publish a list of who has been designated a key worker today.

While a specific date or time period is unclear, First Minister for Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday that parents should assume that schools would not resume following the Easter break.

Concern was raised when it became apparent that children who rely on free school meals would be missing out due to closures.

Education Secretary Mr Williamson ensured children affected would not miss out, saying: “We will give schools the flexibility to provide meals or vouchers to children who are eligible for free school meals.

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“As soon as possible we will put in place a national voucher system for every child who is eligible for free school meals.”

Parents will also get free meals or vouchers for 1.5million children who qualify for school dinners.

Boris Johnson also promised schools already providing free meals would be reimbursed.

He said: “I want to thank families for their sacrifice at this difficult time. I want to thank the whole country for the efforts people are making to comply with these measures.”

There have been few cases in the UK of children becoming sick with the virus.

However, just because a child is symptomless does not mean they aren’t carrying the virus and could easily spread it to other students and staff members.

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