Schools on the peninsula will shut down for the vast majority of pupils from Friday, in line with a national policy announced by prime minister Boris Johnson this afternoon.

Holbrook academy have already moved to a partial closure, and will carry on asking only pupils from years, 11, eight and seven, or those children whose parents are considered essential workers, to attend school for the rest of the week.

Primary schools in Shotley, Chelmondiston, Stutton, Tattingstone, Brantham and Holbrook are expected to carry on as normal until Friday.

The following are the key facts of the government announcement today:

• Schools, colleges and early years settingswill be closed to everyone except children of key workers and vulnerable children from Monday, as part of the country's ongoing response to coronavirus.
• Examples of these workers include NHS staff, police and delivery drivers who need to be able to go to work. Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with Education, Health and Care Plans.

A full list of key worker categories will be published by the Cabinet Office on Thursday 19 March.

• Children who do not fall into these groups should remain at home with appropriate care.
• External examinations and assessments will not take place in May and June.
• The government is working with education leaders and with Ofqual (the examination regulatory body) to ensure children get the qualifications they need.
• At this stage we do not have further details of what this will be.

The Government says the scientific advice shows these settings are safe for a small number of children to continue attending - but asking others to stay away will help to slow the spread of the virus.

To lift the pressure on schools themselves and to allow them to focus on supporting those children who need it most, Ofsted will cease all inspections of schools and colleges with immediate effect.

There will be no primary school assessments or secondary exams this summer and no performance tables will be published.

The Government will work with the sector and Ofqual to ensure children get the qualifications they need.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "Fighting coronavirus and protecting the vulnerable and our NHS are the Government's top priorities right now.

"That's why we are asking schools, nurseries and colleges to close - except for vulnerable children and the children of key workers.

"We are facing increasingly extraordinary circumstances, but by asking schools to support our key workers and vulnerable children I am confident we will help beat this virus.

"I am deeply grateful for the civic spirit and dedication of everyone working in education, and I will continue to provide my full support throughout this crisis."

To support children eligible for free school meals, schools will be able to purchase meals or vouchers for supermarkets or local shops.

The Chancellor has also decided non-local authority childcare providers will be eligible for a business rates holiday for one year from 1 April.