Labour has called for clarity on Covid vaccines for children to prevent further disruption to their education. However, shadow education secretary Kate Green said other measures including mask-wearing, ventilation systems and testing were also needed.

Vaccine experts did not recommend the jab for healthy 12 to 15-year-olds on health grounds alone. But the UK's chief medical officers have been asked to consider any wider implications of extending the rollout.

A source said that the government believes there is a strong case for offering the vaccine to healthy 12 to 15-year-olds to reduce disruption in schools and keep infection rates down as winter approaches. A final decision is expected within days.

Ms Green said as soon as the chief medical officers gave their advice, "the government needs to take a clear decision, she said.

“It's very disappointing that we have had to wait so long to reach this point where there will be clarity. But once we have a decision, if it's to go ahead, that needs to be clearly communicated and there needs to be a process in place to deliver those vaccinations."

However, she said vaccinations alone would not be enough to prevent disruption in schools.

The shadow education secretary also called for mask-wearing, improved ventilation and a robust testing system to reduce the spread of Covid and keep children in classrooms.

Face coverings are no longer routinely advised for staff or pupils in schools in England and Wales, although they will be required in Scotland until at least the end of September and in Northern Ireland for the first six weeks of term.