DORSET schools are working hard to stay open and will provide additional free school meal vouchers over Easter to help support families during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dorset Council has been working with schools to make sure vulnerable children and those whose parents are critical workers continue to be cared for over the holiday.

The Department for Education (DfE) has asked schools across to stay open over Easter to help make sure key workers could still do their jobs. Schools are working together in local clusters to make sure children who need to go to school can.

Cllr Andrew Parry, portfolio holder for children, education and early help at Dorset Council, said: “Schools and childcare settings across Dorset have been brilliant and have really pulled together to support children and families in their local communities. They are working hard to provide childcare over the Easter holidays and we are very grateful. I know many school staff have children and loved ones to care for themselves, but are still committed to supporting their pupils during this time, so I’d like to thank them for everything they are doing.”

The council is also keen that families whose children normally receive free school meals continue to receive vouchers over the Easter holidays.

“We’re working with schools to make sure families whose children receive free school meals continue to do so over Easter. We know this is a difficult time for many families so want to make sure we continue to support them during the holidays too. I’d like to thank our schools for agreeing to help with this and we will make sure they are reimbursed for this additional support.”

Most schools are issuing vouchers to families who receive free school meals taking them right thorough the Easter break. Individual schools are making plans for Easter provision and will share this information with parents.

More information is available via dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/coronavirus including a list of childcare settings that are still open for children of key workers