From Friday, schools across the UK will close 'until further notice' in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said during his daily press conference that he hopes they can keep school closures to ‘an absolute minimum’.
But he cannot say how long this will last for.
He also urged parents not to leave children in the care of grandparents or older relatives who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they contract Covid-19.
Nurseries and private schools across the UK are also being asked to close too, with financial support being given where it is needed.
However, the Prime Minister said that vulnerable children and the children of key-workers should turn up to their current school as normal on Monday, March 23.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson also said during his announcement in Parliament today: "I want to provide parents, students and staff with the certainty they need.
"After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon they will remain closed until further notice.
"This will be for all children except to those of key workers and where children who are most vulnerable."
While the definition of key-worker was not discussed by Mr Johnson, this traditionally refers to NHS workers, police officers, supermarket delivery drivers and those who look after the vulnerable and elderly.
A full list has not yet been revealed by the Government but those classed as being a "key worker" could be expanded to include other professions such as social workers, firefighters and more.
