Plan axed for all primary schools in England to reopen before summer

The government has confirmed that not all primary pupils in England will be able return to school before the summer break.

There had been an aim for all primary school pupils in the country to spend four weeks back before the end of term - but that plan has now been dropped.

It's after school leaders, teachers and governors raised concerns over a full return, highlighting potential issues such as not having enough teaching staff or space for social distancing.

What is planned for schools now?

In a speech in the House of Commons, Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, said there are still plans for schools, which "have the capacity", to bring back more pupils where possible before the summer break.

He added that the government is also working towards bringing all children back to school by September and that "exams will take place next year".

Mr Williamson also spoke about ensuring the safety of children going into school and said that there will be a test and trace approach to schools, where pupils show symptoms.

He said: "The safety of our children, young people and staff remains my top priority. That's why all staff and children including the under-fives will have access to testing if they develop symptoms of coronavirus."

Schools will have the "flexibility" to increase student numbers, but it will be up to them to decide whether they can bring in more classes.

Gavin Williamson is the senior minister in Boris Johnson's top team who is in charge of England's schools

How have people reacted?

A lot of headteachers had said bringing primary school children back to school for four weeks before summer had never been a practical possibility.

Added to this, the Children's Commissioner for England, Anne Longford, told the BBC that the possibility of secondary school pupils not returning until beyond September was "deeply worrying".

"It's a disruption we've not seen since the Second World War," she said.

She added that "the education divide is broadening" and "almost a decade of catching up on that education gap may well be lost".

Children in England began returning to primary schools last week - with Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils heading back first.

New figures from the government show that on 4 June 11% of pupils were in school - that means about a quarter of those year groups who could have gone back, did so.

What is happening elsewhere in the UK?

Plans for reopening schools are different for each country in the UK.

While the government was keen to get children in England back in class before the summer holidays, both Scotland and Northern Ireland don't plan on reopening before the start of the new school year.

Wales will reopen schools on Monday 29 June with smaller class sizes, but schools will be open to all years for limited periods during the week.