Frontline health and social care staff, people involved in food production and delivery, and utility workers are among a list of workers deemed “essential” to the Covid-19 response.

The Government published a list of “key workers” just after midnight on Friday – later than expected – whose children will continue to be cared for at school amid the coronavirus pandemic.

It includes healthcare workers such as doctors and nurses, as well as police and teachers.

But unions have warned the list is so extensive that schools could struggle to cope.

The Department for Education said: “If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed below, and you cannot keep your child safe at home, then your children will be prioritised for education provision.”

It added that children with at least one parent or carer identified as critical workers by the government could send their children to school if required.

Here is the list of workers whose children will be prioritised for schooling:

- Health and social care

This includes frontline health and social care staff - such as doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, as well as support and specialist staff in the health and social care sector.

In addition, those working in supply chains, including producers and distributors of medicines and personal protective equipment are included.

- Education and childcare

This includes nursery, teaching staff and social workers, as the department said these workers are required to deliver their plans

- Key public services

Those required to run the justice system, religious staff, as well as those responsible for managing the deceased and journalists providing public service broadcasting are on the list.

- Local and national government

The list "only includes administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the Covid-19 response or delivering essential public services", including payment of benefits.

- Food and other necessary goods

The list includes those involved in the production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery of food.

- Public safety and national security

Police, support staff, Ministry of Defence civilian staff and armed forces personnel are on the list, along with fire and rescue staff, as well as those responsible for border security, prison and probation staff.

- Transport

The list includes those who will keep "air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response".

- Utilities, communication and financial services

Staff required to keep oil, gas, electricity, water and sewerage operations running are on the list, along with those in the civil nuclear, chemical and telecommunications sectors. Those in postal services and working to provide essential financial services provision are also included.