Coronavirus: Emergency Bill includes powers to force schools to stay open

The emergency Coronavirus Bill is to be rushed through Parliament and will give the government sweeping powers limited in time for two years.

For schools, the Bill details powers to allow the government to “require educational institutions or childcare providers to stay open”.

It has already been met with concern from school leaders, who have pointed out that with severe staff shortages already forcing increasing numbers of school closures, these powers seem “entirely irrelevant”.

The Bill would also give the government the power to relax “some requirements around education legislation” in order to help schools run effectively.

It states: “This could include reducing teacher ratios, adapting school meal standards and relaxing provisions for those with SEN. This will ensure that children, young people and those who work with them remain safe, while minimising disruption to everyday life and progression to further and higher education or employment by ensuring schools have the flexibility and support they need to respond pragmatically to the changing situation.”