The decision to shut schools across the country just three days before the beginning of the new term could not have been made any earlier, the schools minister has said.

More than 100 schools and colleges built using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) were told to partially or fully close buildings over fears the material could make buildings unsafe or cause them to collapse.

Nick Gibb told GB News: “We took the decision as soon as the evidence emerged. We were proactively seeking that evidence, unlike any other governments around the world.

“We take this issue very seriously and as that evidence emerged, we discussed it with experts.

“We worked out what the consequences would be for schools.

“This happened in the summer. It could have happened in the coming November. It could have happened during term time.

“It just so happened that it happened over this summer.”