School, college, and early years' closures
Local authority schools and academies will be closed to most pupils from Monday (23 March), with care provision remaining accessible to vulnerable children and those whose parents are key workers.
Examples of these workers include NHS staff, police and supermarket delivery drivers who need to be able to go to work to support the efforts to tackle coronavirus. Vulnerable children include those with safeguarding and welfare needs, young carers, children who have disabilities and those with Education, Health and Care Plans.
The Department for Education has issued guidance on identifying key workers and maintaining educational provision here.
However, if a child can be safely cared for at home, they should be, in order to help manage the spread of coronavirus and reduce the pressure on schools.
Nurseries, private schools and sixth forms are also being told to follow the guidance to close their doors.
Details about school, college and early years' closures has been issued by the Department for Education here.
Further guidance for parents and carers on the closure of schools can be found here.
Wakefield Council is supporting schools to develop plans to get meals to the children who need them the most in the best way possible. More information on support for pupils eligible for school meals is here.
Department for Education coronavirus helpline
The Department for Education has set up a school helpline to answer questions from staff, parents and young people about coronavirus issues related to education.
Useful links
The BBC's Newsround has published a useful video for children called Coronavirus: Why it might not be as scary as it sounds.