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Schools have been advised to warn pupils and parents from EU countries that they could be kicked out of the country after Brexit.

The Department for Education has issued guidance to schools on "on how to prepare for Brexit". It includes a section called: "Informing pupils and staff from the EU about the EU Settlement Scheme".

According to the statement, this applies to pupils from EU countries (with the exception of Ireland), the three countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) which are not in the EU - Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway - and also Switzerland.

The guidance states: "Any pupils, employees and their families who are EU, EEA or Swiss citizens will need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 2020."

If the UK leaves the EU with a deal then families have until 30 June 2021 to apply for permission to stay. But if we quit with no deal, they will need to apply by December 31 2020.

Irish citizens will still have the right to live in the UK and are not affected.

Anyone hoping to remain in the UK permanently will be assessed on a new skills-based immigration system.

Schools which routinely recruit teachers or staff from EU countries "should reconsider their recruitment strategy", according to the statement.

Fears were also raised about school meals being delivered if there is a no-deal Brexit.

The statement warned: "We advise that you contact your food supplier(s) if your school procures food directly (or your local authority or academy trust, if they arrange food on the school’s behalf) to ensure they are planning for potential impacts of a no deal scenario.

"For example, this may include plans to adapt menus to allow for product substitution.

"This would also include seeking reassurance on the ability of suppliers to continue to meet nutritional standards and to accommodate special dietary needs and allergens when introducing any substitute products."

And even school trips could be affected, as EU nations may refuse to accept what is known as a "list of travellers form", which allows pupils to go on school trips without requiring individual visas.