The government has announced a further lockdown for England
Everyone is required to stay at home, except for a few very specific purposes:
- essential shopping
- for work, if you absolutely cannot work from home
- exercise
- to seek medical assistance (including to get a Covid-19 test).
Visit the GOV.UK website for guidance on the national lockdown: stay at home
Schools, colleges, early years - update 5 January 2021
Following the government’s announcement on a further lockdown for England, all primary and secondary schools and colleges must move to remote learning until February half term, except for vulnerable children and children of key workers.
The government has allowed early years provision to remain open. You should check with your provider for further details.
- Visit the GOV.UK website for government guidance on schools and colleges.
- Visit the GOV.UK website for government guidance on childcare.

School attendance
School attendance

Starting school
Starting school

Secondary school
Secondary school

School closures
School closures
Department for Education Coronavirus helpline
There is a helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline as follows:
Telephone: 0800 046 8687 (8am to 6pm - Monday to Friday)
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk