Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi told ministers that "we must do everything we can" to keep schools open. His comments came as he announced a number of measures to mitigate the impact of Covid in schools, including the provision of on-site services for children to receive vaccines.

       Mr Zahawi told the House of Commons that vaccination services will be set up in schools from next Monday, January 10.

       This will allow pupils who are eligible and aged between 12 and 15 to take up the offer of a Covid vaccine.

       Parents or guardians will need to provide their consent before a child can receive a Covid vaccination.

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       For both doses, children will be given the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

       Children who become infected with the virus usually experience mild symptoms but some can become unwell, which is why vaccines are being offered to this age group.

       One dose of the Covid vaccine is shown to give good protection against children becoming seriously ill, and this protection becomes stronger and longer-lasting if a second dose is administered.

       Guidance from the NHS states that children can get a first dose of the vaccine from the day they turn 12.

       If a child has tested positive for Covid and is not at high risk from the virus, they need to wait 12 weeks before a vaccine can be administered.

       Some children aged 12 to 15 are considered at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid if either:

       They live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as an individual who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis).

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       Or if they have a condition that means they're at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid.

       Conditions that mean a child could be at high risk include cerebral palsy and Down’s syndrome, along with other conditions detailed by the NHS.

       The Education Secretary told MP’s that "face-to-face education is the best way for children and young people to learn and develop”.

       Accordingly, he made the following announcements to help ensure schools stay open in the new term:

       Firstly, schools will have a dedicated supply of lateral flow tests, which they can order more of in the event that they run out.

       Mr Zahawi reiterated guidance around face coverings for secondary school pupils, which applies to students in Year 7 and above.

       A review of this measure will take place on January 26 when Mr Zahawi hopes data "will allow us to ditch masks in class".

       There will also be a temporary break from Ofsted inspections so schools can test pupils for Covid on-site in the next week.

       Furthermore, schools hit by staff shortages should ask for a deferral of inspections by Ofsted.

       Next week, 8,000 air purifiers will start being sent out to schools that are experiencing ventilation problems.