Schools across the borough are to remain open for the rest of term up until Christmas, Hounslow Council has said.

It comes after London was put into tier 3 following a surge in coronavirus cases across the capital.

Some schools have announced they are closing early because of a rise in cases.

But Hounslow's education chief has said the borough's schools are safe, although where schools felt it necessary to close, they would be supported by the council.

Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Youth Services, said:

"All our schools are working hard in following the guidelines to make sure the risk of transmission in schools is minimal.

"They are a safe environment for children and are important for their psychological wellbeing and social development.

"Local data shows most infection in children is acquired at home or in the community, not in school.

"Schools are providing COVID secure environments by undertaking risk assessments to determine the best measures for their site including social distancing, good hand hygiene, mask wearing, one way systems and enhanced cleaning regimes.

"Schools have worked closely with the council, Department of Education and Public Health England, reporting cases, undertaking contact tracing in the school and responding rapidly to changes in national guidance.

"If individual schools can demonstrate it is necessary and appropriate to shut for face to face teaching, this will be supported by the council."