Education chiefs have sought to quell concerns that schools could be forced to close because of Brexit.

KCC said guidance it has issued to schools about steps they should consider as part of contingency planning for when the UK left the EU in March was designed to help prepare for a range of potential challenges.

The guidance, first reported by Kent Online, included a recommendation that schools prepare for “lockdown” in the event air pollution levels increased as a result of congestion caused by Brexit-related delays. It also said schools could have to close or partially close if teachers were unable to get to work.

Ian Watts, area education officer at Kent County Council, said: “We acknowledge that if any schools are affected, the number is likely to be low. However, as with all aspects of emergency planning, it is prudent to have awareness of the possibility of heavier traffic and the effect that it may have on the need to manage pupil and staff movement around the external school site in such circumstances.

“We are not in any way intimating that a dynamic lockdown would be required that is similar to when an intruder may enter a school site. The term lockdown in relation to air quality really means that schools should perhaps consider limiting external movement around the school site if it is felt it may affect pupils and staff in any way.”

Green county councillor Martin Whybrow questioned whether levels of air pollution could be properly monitored because budgets had been cut.

“The gridlock that would result from a ‘no-deal’ Brexit has the potential to exacerbate the air quality risks but how will we know? There is a woeful lack of detailed, meaningful measurement of air quality in large parts of the county.

"My concern is pupils may well already be exposed to dangerous levels, above legal limits, but there is currently neither the will nor the budget to find out. There needs to be measurement that records all of the elements that make up air pollution and captures the full picture at peak times, typically school pick-up and drop-off times. A no-deal Brexit would be a disaster on so many fronts. When it comes to air quality, I think it would worsen an already unacceptable situation.”

The six-page document details a series of possible issues schools could need to prepare for after Brexit. It says headteachers may need to consider closing completely or partially in the event of staff being unable to travel.

Headteachers are also advised to “be mindful of possible disruption” caused by pupil absences and “even the delivery of examination results.”

But it recommends schools limit the likelihood of closing by encouraging staff to find alternative ways of getting to work - including walking or cycling.

Mr Watts said: “At this stage we cannot easily predict the eventual impact of the UK exiting the European Union, but it would be remiss to assume no impact."