CYP Now - Coronavirus: PM urged to justify decision to keep schools open

Education leaders have called on the government to postpone Ofsted inspections and explain the reasons for keeping schools open amid a coronavirus outbreak in England.

The government has been urged to clarify advice for schools and children's services. Picture: Adobe Stock

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has advised schools to remain open, adding that this decision “could change”.

In a press conference on Friday (13 March), the Prime Minister said: “We are not, I repeat not, closing schools now.”

The UK's chief scientific officer, Sir Patrick Vallance, said while closing schools has "some effect" on delaying the spread of disease, facilities would have to close for up to 16 weeks for it to be fully effective.

This could risk children staying with grandparents who are more vulnerable to the virus, known as Covid-19, he added.

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