Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney, the joint secretaries of the National Education Union, have called on the Government to close schools, "at least for some time and at least in some areas". Chris Keates, acting general secretary of the NASUWT, has criticised the Government's announcements, saying they "increase anxiety and uncertainty". Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, has warned keeping schools open is becoming "increasingly untenable", with many expected to close within the next few days. By Will Hazell, iNews. Articles in Tes and The Guardian share the insights and experiences of two headteachers amid the pandemic.

The Times reports some schools are already being forced to close as increasing numbers of pupils and staff self-isolate. By Rosemary Bennett. The article mentions several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate has confirmed all inspections of UK independent schools will be deferred. By Catherine Lough, Tes. The article quotes a spokesperson for the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference.

An article in The Telegraph explores whether fee-paying parents could be entitled to refunds or discounts if independent schools are forced to close. By Harry Brennan. The article quotes Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC.

School leaders have started to put plans in place to ensure vulnerable children and children of key workers are supported ahead of potential school closures. By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.

Tes reports Boris Johnson's plans for free school meals provision has been met with criticism, with school leaders pointing out some schools have already closed. By John Roberts.

Scotland's education secretary, John Swinney, has warned teachers face choosing between delaying exams or cancelling them entirely this year. By Mark McLaughlin, The Times.

A spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers has said schools "should be able to claim" for cancelled overseas trips. By Freddie Whittaker, Schools Week.

Mark Mortimer, head of Bryanston School, draws upon his own experiences to describe the key characteristics of successful partnerships between state and independent schools. IE Today. The article quotes Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC.

Michael Punt, head of Chigwell School, writes in Tes highlighting the efforts of independent schools to widen access to education for disadvantaged pupils, adding "there is a healthy appetite for bursaries and long may that continue".

A new report for the Scottish Government has called for stricter advertising regulations and tighter restrictions on cosmetic procedures, as part of efforts to promote good body image among young people. Tes.

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) monitors the national and educational press in order to keep independent schools up-to-date with relevant education news. The DNS is a service primarily for schools in membership of ISC associations, although other interested parties can choose to sign-up. We endeavour to include relevant news and commentary and, wherever possible, notable public letters. Where capacity allows, we may include links to ISC blogs, press statements and information about school or association events. News stories are selected based on their relevance to the independent sector as a whole. Editorial control of the DNS remains solely with the ISC.

Sign-up to the email service is available on our website.

Members can contact the ISC if they know in advance of news, letters or opinions that are likely to feature in the media, or are aware of existing coverage which they would like to see featured in the DNS.

Headlines and first-line summaries are written by the ISC with the link directing to the source material. You should read and comply with the terms and conditions of the websites to which we link.