ISC Daily News Summary

Education secretary Gavin Williamson announced yesterday that schools across the UK will close to all pupils from Friday 20 March except for vulnerable children and children of key workers. By Will Hazell, iNews.

BBC News reports the Government has promised to provide more information on the impact of school closures on students and parents, along with a list of key workers whose children can still attend school.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed Scotland's schools will not reopen after the Easter break, amid reports they could remain closed for five months. By Simon Johnson, The Telegraph.

The Telegraph reports on the news that GCSEs and A-level exams are to be cancelled this summer as Ofqual works to draw up alternative arrangements. By Camilla Turner. A separate article in The Telegraph highlights comments from Gavin Williamson that the aim is for students to receive exam results in August as normal, "but under a different process and different system as to how we've done in the past". By Danielle Sheridan.

Matthew Bennett, deputy head of Bristol Grammar School, features on the BBC Breakfast show alongside several sixth form pupils sharing their reactions to the Government's announcement of school closures. With the help of 70 volunteer teaching and support staff, the school is staying open for the children of key workers, while the rest of the pupil population will engage in remote learning. Watch from 2:08:14.

In interviews on Sky News, LBC and talkRADIO, Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, described how independent schools and state schools can come together to support vulnerable children and children of key workers amid the widespread disruption. Catch-up links may be available online in due course. Read the ISC's statement in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ceri Stokes, assistant head (DSL) at Kimbolton School writes in Tes outlining four key safeguarding issues for schools to consider as teachers and pupils prepare for online learning.

Charities and schools are working together to help provide dinners for children on free school meals as schools prepare to close. By Daniel Wainwright and Rob England, BBC News.

Tes reports the BBC is in discussions with the Department for Education and schools to provide educational TV programmes for pupils at home. By Dave Speck.

Sport England and Youth Sports Trust have launched web-pages designed to help children reach their recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. By Jeremy Wilson, The Telegraph.

Gareth Doodes, head of Dover College, reflects on the impact the coronavirus outbreak has had on his school.

Speaking on the Tes Podagogy podcast, Professor Simon Burgess reflects on research findings which suggest the ability to teach effectively is innate and cannot be learned. By Zofia Niemtus.

Nicola Whiston, a maths teacher at Ormiston Horizon Academy, and Jamie Frost, also a maths teacher at Tiffin School, are both shortlisted for this year's Global Teacher Prize. By Dave Speck, Tes.