GAVIN Williamson is set to announce when schools will reopen for millions of kids today, December 30.
But what time is he making his speech, and what will he say?
What time is Gavin Williamson’s schools speech today, December 30?
The Education Secretary will set out the plans for children returning to schools in a statement to the House of Commons this afternoon.
Mr Williamson will make the announcement at 4pm – after Matt Hancock makes his speech confirming the latest tier changes.
What will be announced?
Getting kids back into classrooms has been one of the most contested topics during the pandemic.
It’s expected that Mr Williamson will announce that primary school kids will return to class on January 4, along with vulnerable children and those of key workers.
But older children, who are more likely to catch and spread Covid than younger kids, could spend weeks studying remotely.
Those preparing for their GCSEs and A-levels are expected to return on January 11 – but other secondary school students might not be back in classrooms until January 18.
But the Education Secretary has spent the last few days locked in meetings with Boris Johnson about how to get children back behind desks safely.
When asked about when pupils would learn their fate, the Health Secretary stressed this morning the details are still “under review”.
Mr Hancock told BBC Radio 4: “The Education Secretary will be setting out his proposals later today.
“Clearly, we want to protect education as much as possible, that’s been part of our strategy.
“The new variant does make it much easier for this disease to transmit.”
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told a Westminster briefing on Tuesday: “We’re still planning for a staggered opening of schools and we are working to ensure testing is in place.
“As we have said throughout the pandemic, we obviously keep all measures under constant review.”
How can I watch the press conference?
You will be able to watch Mr William’s speech live on BBC News and Sky News – just after the Health Secretary’s announcement.
If you are unable to watch the Education Secretary speak live, you will be able to watch it later on BBC iPlayer and Sky News through its YouTube channel.
