BRITAIN’S schools were last night ordered to close from Friday with all exams cancelled in the war on coronavirus.

The shutdown, until summer at the earliest, is the Government’s most drastic move yet to slow down the pandemic.

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4 Boris Johnson said schools will close from the end of the day on Friday Credit: PA:Press Association

4 Boris Johnson announced the closure of ALL schools across the whole of the UK Credit: PA:Press Association

But a skeleton school service will remain to care for the children of key workers on the front line.

The service will run for NHS staff, police and other blue light services and delivery drivers — estimated at hundreds of thousands. Their kids will continue to get childcare throughout the Easter holidays too.

It is the first nationwide school shutdown in modern history.

The only similar move was when schools in London shut as pupils were evacuated at the start of World War Two.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced the move in the Commons at the same time as the Prime Minister at No 10.

EXAMS CANCELLED

Boris Johnson promised the one million 16 and 18-year-olds due to take GCSEs and A-levels they will not be penalised.

He insisted: “We will make sure their progress is not impeded.

“We will make sure in time they get the qualifications they need.”

Parents will also get free meals or vouchers for 1.5million children who qualify for school dinners.

Mr Johnson also promised that schools already providing free meals will be reimbursed.

He added: “I want to thank families for their sacrifice at this difficult time. I want to thank the whole country for the efforts people are making to comply with these measures.”

Boris Johnson's dramatic announcement came as:

Coronavirus cases hit 2,626 and 104 deaths in Britain

The PM scolded Brits who are ignoring instructions against socialising, insisting “everyone must follow the advice”

He also warned that London, where the virus is spreading fastest, faces tougher restrictions soon, and did not rule out a full lockdown for the capital

Boris also opened the door for the first time to extending the Brexit transition past December 31 so the Government can focus solely on defeating the virus

Quizzed on how long the school closures will last, the PM would only say: “We will try to keep it to an absolute minimum. I wish I could give you an answer for how long it is going to be

Glastonbury has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic

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Quizzed on how long the school closures will last, the PM would only say: “We will try to keep it to an absolute minimum. I wish I could give you an answer for how long it is going to be.”

He insisted schools are still safe places for key workers’ kids.

And he explained their closure for most was because children, who suffer the least symptoms from the virus, can also be some of the most virulent spreaders.

Mr Johnson said: “The objective is to slow the spread of the virus and we judge it is the right moment to do that.”

He added: “Hitherto the advice has been that we should keep schools open if possible in order to reduce the pressure on the NHS and on all other public services.

“But I have always been very clear that this is a balanced judgment and one that we have kept under constant review.

“So looking at the curve of the disease and at where we are now — we think now we must apply further downward pressure on that upward curve by closing schools.”

But he added childcare for key workers’ children is “crucial to make sure the critical parts of the economy keep functioning.” Ministers will publish a full list of who has been designated a key worker today.

GEORGE HOME-SCHOOLED

Prince George and Princess Charlotte were sent home from their London prep school yesterday.

The school closures were welcomed by teachers’ unions.

National Education Union joint general secretary Kevin Courtney said: “It is better for this to take place in an ordered way than the chaotic pattern of closures that was developing”.

The PM had faced a growing clamour to take action after countries around the world, including France and Italy, ordered a schools shutdown.

Scotland and Wales had already announced schools would shut on Friday.

Before the announcement many head teachers were being forced to shut or partially shut because so many staff were in self-isolation.The Harris Academy Trust partially shut 22 of its schools.

Diverse Academies Trust said it had shut all 13 of its schools across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Paul Tarn, chief executive of Delta Academy Trust, which runs 46 schools, told The Sun they had been drawing up contingency plans in case they were told to only open for key workers’ kids.

The chain is sending out 20,000 text books so pupils can study at home. It is considering keeping some schools open for longer hours and even at weekends to give extra support to key workers.

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Mr Tarn said: “Our teachers have been teaching extra classes — showing some proper British spirit.

“We are taking a very strong line in doing our bit in support.”

He added: “We want to make sure those workers out on the front line have support for their children at schools.”

4 Gavin Williamson said key workers would be able to send their kids to school Credit: AFP

4 Boris said only some would go to school for weeks - and possibly months Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

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What can working parents do? CAN you get time off work if your children’s school is closed? Parents are entitled to take time off to look after children — and you can’t face disciplinary action or lose your job. This is known as “dependant leave” which allows time off to deal with an unexpected problem or emergency. The downside is that you may not be paid, unless your employer agrees to. You may be able to negotiate paid time off, but it is down to your employer. Workers may also be able to negotiate taking time off as holiday or lieu days. Your employer cannot make you work extra hours or make up the missed time. CAN you work from home or request flexible working? The UK government has said everyone should work from home, where possible. This is only advice, so whether you are allowed to will depend on your employer. All employees have the right to request flexible working — not just parents. But you must have been with the same employer for at least 26 weeks. Employers must assess the advantages and disadvantages, as well as hold a meeting with you to discuss the request. Flexible working can include working from home, flexitime and job sharing. Employers can reject the request for a number of reasons, including costs to the business and getting your work covered.

Nicola Sturgeon confirms ALL Scots schools will close over coronavirus and may not reopen before summer holidays

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