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The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that schools across the country will close from Friday as part of the latest measures to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

A statement on the gov.uk website said: “After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon, they will remain closed until further notice except for children of key workers and vulnerable children, as part of the country’s ongoing response to coronavirus.”

So, how does the government define these groups?

Who are key workers?

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made the decision to close schools in England. (Photo by Paul Grover - WPA Pool/Getty Images) | Getty Images

According to gov.uk, examples of these workers include NHS staff, police and supermarket delivery drivers who need to be able to go to work to support the country’s fight to tackle coronavirus.

The Government has not released a full list of key workers for this situation, however in recent days, schools have been asking parents if they work in any of the following categories:

National Health Service

Armed forces

Teachers and childcare staff

Care home workers

Social workers

Police officers, community support, civilian staff

Prison officer or other probation staff

Firefighters

Local authority planners

Environmental health officers

Highway Agency traffic officers

What about ‘vulnerable children’?

Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with an educational health and care plan (EHCP) – a legal document that describes a child’s special educational needs and the support they require.

Children who do not fall into these two groups should remain at home with "appropriate care". Nurseries, private schools and sixth forms should also follow this guidance.

Coronavirus: Full list of 'key workers and 'vulnerable children' as Sheffield schools close