One day of planning went into Covid school closures, inquiry hears

"Up until 16 March 2020, focus had been on keeping schools open, so there were no contingency plans in place, according to evidence given by the former education secretary Gavin Williamson. Sir Gavin described a "discombobulating 24-hour sea change" in his written evidence, counsel to the inquiry Clair Dobbin KC said. Her opening statement came on the first day of the eighth session of the Covid inquiry, which will look at the impact of the pandemic on children and young people across the UK."

"The inquiry also heard that Sir Gavin felt the closure of schools in January 2021 was "not required", but was "a panicked decision made without children's interests front and centre". However, Boris Johnson has rejected that description of the decision, with both due to be asked about it later in the session, Ms Dobbin told the inquiry. "It is significant that there should be any dispute about whether planning for so seismic an event existed," she said."

Government planning for school closures began only the day before the decision, after months focused on keeping schools open and without contingency plans. Former education secretary Gavin Williamson described a "discombobulating 24-hour sea change" and said he viewed January 2021 closures as unnecessary and a panicked decision that did not place children's interests front and centre. The Welsh government acknowledged inadequate planning and the Scottish government limited preparedness. The inquiry chair said the pandemic's impact on children was severe and long-lasting. The inquiry will examine educational disruption, emotional wellbeing, physical health and access to care, long Covid experiences, professional roles, and potential longer-term links to current child health trends.

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