Commenting on the news of a new Covid-19 variant and the government's reintroduction of safety mitigations for the general public, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“In light of the new national measures announced yesterday, we fully expect the DfE and local public health teams to be issuing updated guidance to schools as a matter of urgency. It is essential schools know where they stand in terms of key issues such as face masks and new isolation rules.

“The pressure on schools is unrelenting. Any uncertainty will add to that sense of continuing jeopardy. The government needs to get advice out to schools fast. Where interventions differ from the wider community that needs to be explained. And where interventions require even more effort that needs to be properly resourced.

"Given the level of uncertainty about the new variant, we would expect government to be taking a precautionary approach when it comes to schools, at least until we have more information. As always, the safety and well-being of pupils, staff and families will remain schools’ number one priority.

"Parents should be aware that school leaders have no more information than the general public at this stage.”