All Reading Schools will be closed next week - Q&A

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday evening that schools in the UK would close to halt the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).

Some schools will stay open with a reduced capacity, with children of key workers and the most vulnerable children staying in school.

The PM also announced that GCSE and A-Level exams have been cancelled.

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Secretary for education Gavin Williamson told MPs at the same time: “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.”

This raises many questions for parents, teachers, pupils and their families. We spoke to Reading Borough Council’s lead member for education to find out more about what this means for you.

Which schools will remain open?

Schools will be able to remain open where up to 10 per cent of their pupils are either children of key workers or vulnerable pupils, according to education secretary Gavin Williamson.

Councillor Ashley Pearce, lead member for education at RBC, said: “The aim is to keep four or five key schools open where key workers’ sons and daughters will be able to go. They will be geographically split across the town.

“Other schools will also stay open. Individual schools may make their own decisions.”

Which children will go to school?

The children of key workers and vulnerable pupils will stay in school.

Key workers include:

• Doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff

• Nursery and teaching staff

• Care home staff

• Police

• Fire brigade staff

• Transport staff

• Journalists and broadcasters who are providing public service broadcasting

Check out our story for a full list.

Vulnerable children include:

Any student with an education, health and care plan, child protection plan or child in need plan

Looked after children

Disabled children

Young carers

Which teachers will work in schools that remain open?

Cllr Pearce said: “The numbers needed in schools have yet to be worked out. Teachers will also have to look after their own families.

“My guess is there will be some rotation of staff. The more fit and able will be offering themselves up.”

He added that schools that remain open will be expected to run over Easter holidays.

How will pupils continue to learn from home?

Schools have been preparing to shut for a while, with some schools setting uponline classes being set up and some giving homework bundles to pupils.

There will also be classes broadcast by the BBC on TV.

Cllr Pearce said: “It will be up to individual schools how classes are taught. Many teachers are already setting up online classes. Teachers are quite used to sending work home.”

What about free school meals?

The government will give schools the flexibility to provide

The education secretary said the government will give schools the flexibility to provide meals or vouchers to children who are eligible for school meals.

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

What happens with exams?

GCSE and A-Level exams will not take place but students will get qualifications. It is not currently clear how this will work.

Cllr Pearce said: “We need more clear guidance and clarity on what will happen with exams. How will grades will be awarded?”

How have pupils responded?

Cllr Ashley Pearce, lead member for education, said: “I have been explaining things to year elevens and thirteens. They are emotional and a bit all over the place but they are pretty resilient.”