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Schools reopening announcement: What did Gavin Williamson say in his speech today, December 30?
GAVIN Williamson has announced when schools will reopen and close for millions of kids today, December 30.
But what did he say in his speech and how will it affect children up and down the country?
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What did Gavin Williamson announce?
Getting kids back into classrooms has been one of the most contested topics during the pandemic.
The Sun exclusively revealed this morning that ALL schools in some Tier 4 hotspots are set to stay shut for at least two extra weeks.
And tonight it was confirmed that 49 areas are on the list.
The Education Secretary has set out the plans for children returning to schools in a statement to the House of Commons this afternoon.
Primary and secondary schools in the worst-hit areas will stay shut for at least an extra two weeks - with a review coming before a firm decision.
Gavin Williamson confirmed that schools in the hardest-hit Covid areas will remain closed because of spiralling cases - except for vulnerable kids and children of key workers.
Mr Williamson said he would do "everything" to keep children in school.
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It comes despite Michael Gove saying just days ago that he was "confident" schools would reopen across England.
The full list of 49 areas includes parts of London, Kent, Hertfordshire and Essex and the plans will be reviewed in two weeks.
Primary schools in the Tier 4 hotspots will be allowed to take in the children of key workers still.
Elsewhere across England - in Tiers 1, 2 and 3 and some lesser-hit Tier 4 areas - primary schools will return on January 4 as planned.
And secondary school Years 11 and 13 - those facing critical exams - will return on January 11, before the rest of secondary schools (except those in hotspot areas) go back on January 18.
Expected return dates for schools
January 4: All primary schools will return as planned - except for in Covid hotspot areas which will remain closed
January 11: Secondary school kids set to sit key exams this year will return
January 18: All secondary school kids - except for Covid hotspot areas which will be reviewed regularly
? - Kids in Covid hotspot areas - both primary and secondary schools don't yet have a return date
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“As we have said throughout the pandemic, we obviously keep all measures under constant review.”
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