Direct school buses across Kent will be stopped from Monday - leaving many key workers with a potential transport headache.

NHS staff, police officers and delivery drivers are among those whose children can still attend school when the widespread closure is enforced next week.

But they may find themselves having to make alternative travel arrangements as Stagecoach says it will suspend all dedicated school buses.

The company has decided against running what would likely be near-empty services, and says it will instead revert to a school holiday timetable.

It will mean pupils likely having to take connected services to get as close to their schools as feasible.

But Joel Mitchell, the managing director of Stagecoach South East, has pledged to quickly make changes should the need arise.

"We're evaluating on a regular basis what the latest government guidelines mean for the delivery of public transport services at this really difficult time," he said.

"In light of the planned school closures and working closely with KCC, we're making some adjustments to our services from Monday.

"Next week we will operate a normal school holiday service on all routes in Kent. However, we'll review this on a daily basis to identify any extra journey requirements and be ready to make adjustments as required.

"We're absolutely clear that any further decisions on bus services will be announced in advance and full details available to the customers and the communities we serve."

Kent County Council says it is also considering how it can offer refunds to holders of Travel Saver bus passes - a scheme for pupils aged 16 and under which is subsidised by the authority.

Having originally said it could not reimburse parents who have paid for the £350 pass, KCC says it is now reviewing that decision.

It could mean partial refunds for those who have paid the full amount, or the end of instalments for parents choosing to pay monthly.

A spokesman said: KCC is reviewing the level of any refund and how the payment can be made.

"Once this is determined, we will be in touch with card holders."

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