This announcement will cause understandable worry and anxiety for pupils, parents and teachers in Hackney, and we will work with headteachers to ensure everyone is getting the information they need. 

We know that closing schools will have a huge effect on young people’s education and the ability of their parents – some performing vital frontline public service jobs – to complete their work. 

We also know others have been asking for such a decision for some time. The Government and individual schools have, before now, had to balance these pressures. Today provides some clarity and the Council – alongside individual schools, families and the community – will need to work together in response.

The Coronavirus pandemic will continue to cause unprecedented disruption to our daily lives, but it is essential that everyone follows public health advice to limit the spread of the virus and protect lives.