Exam boards are working with Ofqual to draw up contingency plans for GCSE and A-level exams, following predictions that the coronavirus epidemic could result in the mass closure of schools at the beginning of exam season. By Sian Griffiths and Julie Henry, The Sunday Times.

The paper also reports the Scottish Government is considering closing schools and train stations to minimise the spread of the coronavirus. By John Boothman and Mark Macaskill.

ITV News reports Cognita Schools has advised parents to take their child's temperature - and their own - every morning as a precautionary measure. By Juliet Bremner. The article mentions Akeley Wood.

The Guardian explores how charities are preparing to feed children on free school meals should schools be forced to close. By Robert Booth and Richard Adams.

An article in The Observer warns grandparents stepping in to provide emergency childcare could put themselves at greater risk of contracting the illness. By Harriet Sherwood.

Professor James Tooley, founder of the country's first "no-frills" independent school, has said he plans to open seven more over the next few years. By John Dickens, Schools Week. The article quotes Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC.

The paper also features a more in-depth interview with the school founder, where he explains why he believes there is a case for low-cost independent schools in England.

Eve Jardine-Young, principal of Cheltenham Ladies' College, explores ways schools can educate the next generation on gender equality.

Findings from a new study show free school meals reduce children's average BMI over the school year, suggesting they could make a valuable contribution to reducing childhood obesity levels in Britain. By Jamie Doward, The Observer.

Baroness Deborah Bull, a leading ballet dancer and vice-principal at King's College London, has said new legislation on online harms should cover issues around body shaming and weight harassment to protect children and vulnerable adults online. By Charles Hymas, The Telegraph.

Sandra Bennett, legal officer at the National Education Union, outlines ways teachers and school leaders can work to stamp out sexual harassment. Tes.

Kate Bowen-Viner, senior associate at the Centre for Education and Youth, writes in Schools Week arguing researchers and policymakers must work to identify "practical and relevant ways for schools to dismantle period stigma".

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) monitors the national and educational press in order to keep independent schools up-to-date with relevant education news. The DNS is a service primarily for schools in membership of ISC associations, although other interested parties can choose to sign-up. We endeavour to include relevant news and commentary and, wherever possible, notable public letters. Where capacity allows, we may include links to ISC blogs, press statements and information about school or association events. News stories are selected based on their relevance to the independent sector as a whole. Editorial control of the DNS remains solely with the ISC.

Sign-up to the email service is available on our website.

Members can contact the ISC if they know in advance of news, letters or opinions that are likely to feature in the media, or are aware of existing coverage which they would like to see featured in the DNS.

Headlines and first-line summaries are written by the ISC with the link directing to the source material. You should read and comply with the terms and conditions of the websites to which we link.