Schools are to close on Friday, March 20, at the latest, Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams AM has announced.

In a statement today, she thanked education staff and said the Easter break was being brought forward.

She said: “I have been clear up to now that the continuity of education and the wellbeing of our learners has been at the heart of my decision making. This will always be the case.

“From next week, schools will have a new purpose. They will help support those most in need, including people involved in the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak. I am working with my colleagues in the Cabinet, with government officials and our partners in local government to develop and finalise these plans.”

Ms Williams said the Welsh Government will be concentrating on how best to protect vulnerable pupils, such as those on free school meals and those who have additional learning needs.

However, childcare such as nurseries will remain open.

Ms Williams added: “Childcare settings are expected to remain open until we have definitive advice from the Chief Medical Officer and from Public Health Wales that any closures are required.

“Parents can, and should, speak with their usual childcare providers if they need care over the Easter holidays.”