Schools in England planning to allow pupils to learn remotely in the run-up to Christmas could face legal action to force them to remain open.
New powers introduced through the Coronavirus Act allow the UK government to issue “directions” to headteachers around education provision during the pandemic.
But should schools fail to comply after being directed to remain open, education secretary Gavin Williamson could apply for a High Court injunction forcing them to do so.
The Department for Education said directions under the act would only be used as a “last resort”, while a court order would be the “final stage” if they were not followed.
It comes as a headteacher in Ware, Hertfordshire, was sent a “minded to direct” letter from schools minister Nick Gibb warning that the emergency powers could be used.
Presdales School had planned to switch to online learning for the final week of term to ensure staff and pupils did not have to self-isolate on Christmas Day, Schools Week reported.
But it was said to have scrapped the plans after receiving the letter.
A department spokeswoman confirmed a letter was sent to the school, adding: “They have now changed their plans as to what they are doing this term.”
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, criticised the approach.
He said: “It marks a low moment when a government threatens legal action against its own school and college leaders, all of whom have worked tirelessly throughout this crisis to make sense of last-minute and chaotic decisions from Westminster.
“The government’s approach undermines the much-vaunted trust it once said it had for leaders and governors in their communities to make the right decisions on behalf of their pupils, parents and staff.”
The department said keeping education settings open remained a “national priority” and that it was “vital” children remain in school until the end of the term.
In Wales, secondary schools and colleges will move to online learning from Monday following advice from the Welsh chief medical officer that the public health situation in the country is “deteriorating”.
A department spokeswoman said the direction under the Coronavirus Act requiring schools to remain open had not been used “to date”.
“That would be a last resort,” the spokeswoman said.
“As has happened in this situation (Presdales School), the regional teams work with the schools and the local authorities to try and reach an agreement.”
The spokeswoman added: “If a direction was issued to the school and they still didn’t comply with it, then the Coronavirus Act allows the Secretary of State to apply to the High Court for an injunction which would be a court order requiring them to comply.
“But that is a final stage, even after a direction.”
