Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the case for extending school Christmas breaks to assist in containing the spread of COVID-19; and what plans, if any, they have to introduce such an extension.

The government continues to prioritise the wellbeing and long-term futures of our children and young people. It remains very important for children to continue attending school, to support their wellbeing and education, and help working parents and guardians. Senior clinicians still advise that school is the best place for children to be, and schools have implemented a range of protective measures to make them safe. We therefore do not have plans to ask schools to change their Christmas holidays, or close early this term.