An announcement about schools will be made "in the next few days", the schools standards minister has said.

Nick Gibb told MPs the decision about "when and how we can reopen" would be based on data such as hospitalisation rates and mortality, the rate of vaccination and the challenge of new variants.

"The Government recognises that head teachers, teachers, support staff, parents and carers need time to prepare for reopening and that's why (Education Secretary Gavin Williamson) made it clear last week that we will give two weeks' notice to schools, colleges and universities so that they can prepare for a return to face-to-face education.

"We want to give two weeks' notice so that parents can make arrangements for the care of their children and we will be making announcements in the next few days."

This morning Nadhim Zahawi dropped some pretty heavy hints that primary schools could reopen first.

For the latest updates, follow our liveblog here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/01/26/news-boris-johnson-quarantine-hotels-schools-reopen-vaccine/

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