Do schools/early years and childcare settings have to take advice from their local HPU before closing?
If they are considering closure (in exceptional circumstances) for health reasons, to protect pupils and/or reduce the spread of the virus, DCSF would expect it to seek advice from its local HPU. The final decision lies with the school. If the school is considering closure for local management reasons (e.g. staff shortages) they do not need to seek HPU advice, but should follow any local guidance or protocol that the local authority has established.
