The National Education Union has written to the prime minister asking for more information on the potential risks to staff and parents as schools are told to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent. An interactive poll in The Sunday Times asks readers if they believe Boris Johnson is right to keep schools open. The poll closes at noon on Friday 20 March and the results will be published on Sunday 22 March.

Tes reports schools could close to all pupils except for children of key workers. Health secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed the next stage of the Government's plans will be announced tomorrow, following a Cobra meeting today. By Kate Parker.

Emergency measures drafted by senior civil servants could see Scotland's schools closing for up to 19 weeks, The Sunday Times reports. By John Boothman, Mark Macaskill and Michael Glackin. First minister Arlene Foster has said should schools in Northern Ireland close, they will remain closed for at least 16 weeks. By Kate Parker, Tes.

The Telegraph reports school exams could be delayed until September, as education secretary Gavin Williamson meets with school leaders to discuss contingency plans. By Harry Yorke and Robert Mendick.

Speaking at a headteachers conference on Friday, Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, warned parents are pulling their children out of school despite official advice. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

Sally-Anne Huang, head of James Allen's Girls' School, writes in Tes calling on the Government to suspend Ofsted and ISI inspections.

Bernard Trafford, a former independent school headteacher, argues the coronavirus pandemic presents an opportunity for policymakers to revise the exams system. Tes.

The Times reports independent schools could have their business rate exemption removed in April of next year, after a review of business rates was announced in the budget last week. By Rosemary Bennett. The article quotes the Independent Schools Association and Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC.

In the same article, Greg Hurst reports on findings which suggest parents who educate their children in independent schools are more likely to hold traditional family values. The article quotes Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the ISC.

Damian Henderson, deputy head (academic) at Taunton School, describes how a new exercise initiative designed around tracking students’ functional movements supports pupil development and wellbeing.

The Department for Education has announced that from September secondary schools will be legally required to teach pupils about the risks of online gambling and accumulating debt. By Jon Ungoed-Thomas, The Sunday Times.

The Times reports Mike Ellicock, the head of National Numeracy, has suggested GCSE maths should be separated into two subjects - classical and modern - as part of efforts to "create a numerate nation". By Nicola Woolcock.

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