Backing for schools remaining open has come from Lincolnshire County council.

But their support may be in vain under tighter measures being considered by the government.

Earlier today, schools re-opened in Grantham and across the county.

However, in parts of the country, some or all of certain schools have remained closed due to fears from teaching unions that teaching children may not be safe because if extra risks from the 'mutant' strain of Covid-19, which is fuelling a growth in case numbers.

Councillor Mrs Patricia Bradwell, executive councillor for children's services, said: "We are aware of the national dispute between the school unions and the DfE over whether schools should remain open during this time when the new Covid variant is escalating transmissions of the virus.

"School infection figures in Lincolnshire are well below the national average at around 1% and we want schools, where it is safe and risk assessed, to keep open for face to face teaching. It's better for children's education that they are in school if possible.

"We understand this might be difficult for some schools and where this is not possible – some schools for example won't have enough staff available due to shielding for Covid reasons - remote teaching will be put in place. We are continuing to support schools with health and safety advice to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and staff."

This afternoon, it was announced that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to address the nation tonight at 8pm and announce a raft of new measures.

They include a possible third nationwide lockdown, or a higher Tier 5, which may see the closure of schools.

Earlier today, Scotland announced a full lockdown for the whole of January, with the closure of schools and a shift to online learning.