Lincolnshire coronavirus: County’s school closure moves

Council leader Martin Hill said the authority had been “working hard” to get guidance following the announcement many schools will close from Friday onwards in the latest update from him and chief executive Debbie Barnes.

However, he said some sites would be remaining open to look after the children of key workers as well as the most vulnerable.

“We have been astounded by the offers of support from schools to help their communities during this time,” he said.

“It’s really important that during these difficult times we continue to support the most vulnerable people in our communities.”

“Children and adults that need safeguarding will clearly still need protecting, potentially more than usual.”

Further announcements included:

A freeze on applications to change a child’s school mid-year

New school admissions being made a priority to ensure all children receive an offer for September 2020

Low income families, eligible for free school meals, will continue to receive vouchers for food to ensure the support they receive continues even if they are no longer attending school due to the virus

Work with partners is taking place to confirm transport requirements for next week.

Daniel Jaines , Local Democracy Reporting Service