Month, minister expected to announce

Teaching unions say members are divided with some keen to get back to work and others anxious about their safety and that of the wider public.

Newly-released results from a survey of members carried out by NEU Cymru during half term last week show a majority don’t think schools should reopen until September but, if they must, then a phased return of years six, 10 and 12 is the best option.

Mr Evans said: “Their concerns relate to social distancing, staff/pupil ratios and PPE [personal protective equipment].”

Some schools have been open as hubs for key workers and vulnerable children since the lockdown began, and lessons could be learned from these, said unions.

NASUWT Cymru national official for Wales Neil Butler said: “Our position on phased return is to say ‘yes – when there is scientific and medical evidence to say it is safe’.

“The problem really is that social distancing is impossible in schools, especially for younger children.

“Everyone needs to understand and accept that and not pretend social distancing is possible.”

Whatever happens the re-opening of schools must fit in with the wider guidance on easing lockdown, warned Rebecca Davies, deputy general secretary of UCAC.

“There are a lot of questions about practical issues such as provision of PPE and class size. If you have one or two year groups in spread over three or four classrooms you need more teachers,” she said.

“Who finances the extra costs of all this for schools and is there enough capacity in cleaning services?”