NO school closures in Worcestershire have been announced following the death of the Queen - and the official Government guidance is that they should remain open.

It is unlikely that county schools will close given the statement by the Department for Education issued yesterday evening.

However, some children may be given a leave of absence in exceptional circumstances and lessons may be adapted to reflect the period of national mourning.

The statement reads: "Schools and Further Education settings should remain open. Whilst normal attendance is expected, headteachers continue to have the power to authorise leaves of absence for pupils in exceptional circumstances. Any requests for leave of absence should be considered on a case-by-case basis taking into account individual circumstances.

"Education and childcare settings may want to consider conducting special activities, holding assemblies or adapting planned lessons to reflect the period of national mourning and commemorate the life of Her Majesty may wish to repurpose the lesson materials about the Queen’s Jubilee produced by Royal Collections Trust and The National Archives.

"Primary schools may also wish to adapt ‘Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Jubilee Celebration’, the commemorative book distributed to state-funded primary schools across the United Kingdom in 2022.

"If children and young people are upset, Minded is a source of information to support children and young people to manage death and loss.

"Education and childcare settings wishing to pay their respects by flying any flags at half-mast or holding silences should follow the guidance on GOV.UK

"You can also visit the Palace’s website for more information about the mourning period: www.royal.uk.

"We know teachers, lecturers, early years colleagues and social workers around the country have an important role to play in reassuring children and young people at this difficult time."

Worcester Cathedral will open at 7.30am today and will remain open until 10pm for all to come together and light a candle, write a message in the book of condolence, pray, reflect and remember. The Queen's death was announced at 6.30pm yesterday after she passed away peacefully at Balmoral after a 70 year reign. 

 

 

The Cathedral's Bourdon bell will join others across the United Kingdom at noon today and toll 96 times, one for each year of Her Late Majesty's life.

 

 

Books of condolence will also be opened at Worcester Cathedral, St George's Catholic Church, County Hall, the University of Worcester, Worcester Hospital, Warndon Library, Lyppard Hub, St John's Library, and The Hive.