Schools and universities shouldn’t be closing, says Education Secretary
Gavin Williamson also said the Department for Education would not be ‘penalising’ schools over pupil absences.
The Education Secretary has said schools and universities “shouldn’t be closing” as he urged education leaders to follow medical and scientific advice during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Gavin Williamson said the Government was also working with exam boards, through regulator Ofqual, teaching and schools bodies to make sure there was “stability” in pupils’ education, whatever happens.
The South Staffordshire MP added the Department for Education (DfE) would not be “penalising” schools if pupils are taken out of lessons by parents concerned about coronavirus.
Amid announcements of cancellations of face-to-face lectures and exams at some universities, he said: “I would urge any educational establishments, whether a school, a childcare or early years setting, whether it be a college or a university, to actually look at what the medical and scientific advice is.
“And the medical and scientific advice is we shouldn’t be closing educational settings at the moment.”
Mr Williamson said he was also discussing a range of measures to “support children who may be outside of school” as the coronavirus outbreak continues.
The Secretary of State is meeting with the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) and the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) on Monday.
