ALL schools in Wales will be closed by Friday in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Welsh Government have announced.

Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams announced that schools would close on March 20 at the latest.

The Minister said: "We are in an unprecedented period, one that is changing hour-by-hour, and governments around the world are having to make quick decisions.

"Firstly, I would like to extend my gratitude to all those working in our education and childcare settings for the critical work you have been undertaking, under incredible pressure to support our children and young people. You have been at the front-line in supporting wider efforts to prepare for the challenges we are all now facing and I am incredibly grateful and proud.

"Today, I can announce we are bringing forward the Easter break for schools in Wales. Schools across Wales will close for statutory provision of education at the latest on March 20."

"I have been clear up to now that the continuity of education and the wellbeing of our learners has been at the heart of my decision making. This will always be the case."

Mrs Williams also announced that schools would now have a new purpose, saying plans are in the pipeline to enable schools to support those most in need, including people involved in the immediate response to the outbreak.

She added: "The key areas we are looking at are supporting and safeguarding the vulnerable and ensuring continuity of learning.

"We are looking in detail at how we can support and safeguard all those who benefit from free school meals and children with additional learning needs.

"While this will apply to schools, childcare settings are expected to remain open until we have definitive advice from the Chief Medical Officer and from Public Health Wales that any closures are required.

"Parents can, and should, speak with their usual childcare providers if they need care over the Easter holidays."

Considerations are also being made around upcoming exams, said Mrs Williams, adding: "Today’s decision will help ensure an orderly closure, so schools have time to prepare ahead of the early break.

"My main message for everyone is to stay safe and stay well. We will work together and we will face this outbreak together."

Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for Education Sian Gwenllian AM said: “The announcement that schools will now close for statutory provision is to be welcomed but we urgently need further clarity and clear guidelines from the Education Minister on the short term role of our schools going forward.

"Schools will still have a vital role to play in providing care for the children of key public sector workers, such as NHS staff, and vulnerable children reliant on free school meals.

“It’s also time to scrap, postpone or adapt GCSE and A Level exams – with the aim of holding them later on in the autumn or coming to other arrangements, to ease the burden and pressure on schools who are already struggling to stay open due to the Coronavirus pandemic. A whole range of options could be looked at including using predicted grades as a basis for University entrance or adapting GCSE courses.

“Students should also be adequately supported with consideration giving to their mental health well-being in light of the changes to examinations.

“Teachers and key school staff need to know how grateful we are for the crucial work they are doing as they operate on the frontline of the fight against Coronavirus by caring for our children.

“There’s been an unacceptable lack of leadership from Welsh Government when it comes to providing clear guidance to our schools and teachers to date. We welcome the preparedness now to lead and not follow."

The latest guidance is available at gov.wales/coronavirus.