Multi-academy trust leaders are calling on the government to delay this year’s Sats tests, as schools contend with the coronavirus outbreak.

Forum Strategy, a network of nearly 200 multi-academy trust CEOs, is urging the Department for Education (DfE) to postpone the key stage 2 Sats in light of the “evolving public health situation”.

In a letter to the education secretary and the national schools commissioner, Michael Pain, CEO of Forum Strategy, said: “We call on the DfE to postpone the KS2 Sats in May, with a view to these taking place later in the term, if at all this year.

Related: Heads call for Sats and league tables to close if schools shut

Coronavirus: Heads called to DfE emergency summit

Analysis: Headteachers gather despite coronavirus fears

“We also ask for contingency plans around GCSE and A-Levels to be made clear before the Easter break and abolition of league tables in 2020.”

He added that a “nuanced approach” is required regarding Ofsted inspections, “to ensure there is no impact or risk whatsoever to safeguarding”.

Forum Strategy said on social media that the letter has been acknowledged by the DfE.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “The Government’s advice continues to be for schools to remain open unless Public Health England advise otherwise, and to continue preparing for summer tests and exams as normal, which is in the interests of both pupils and schools.

“We are working with exams regulator Ofqual, exam boards and our suppliers to make sure appropriate contingency plans are in place for primary assessments and exams.”