Q&A: SCHOOLS REOPENING

WHAT DO THE NEW GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES MEAN?

The phased reopening of schools in England should begin on June 1, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed. But parents and teachers remain divided on the issue. Here is what you need to know:

Which children are due to return to school?

Primary schools will welcome back children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, while many nurseries and other early years providers will reopen for children under five. Not all primary schools will be ready to reopen by next week, however, and some local authorities have decided against advising schools to reopen at this stage. Secondary schools and colleges will also provide face-to-face contact for Year 10, Year 12 and equivalent further education students aged 16-19 to help them prepare for exams next year, probably from June 15.

Why is this controversial?

Some argue that the longer schools stay closed, the more damage will be done to children’s development, and in some cases their health. The most disadvantaged children will be disproportionately affected. But many teachers and parents are unconvinced it is safe to return, saying not enough is known yet, and that the risks still remain too high.

So what do we know about these risks?

We know healthy children contract the virus at a far lower rate than older people or those with compromised immune systems. We also know it is rare for them to be severely affected. But although some studies have indicated children are far less likely to spread the virus to others, it is too soon to say with certainty that their return to school will not result in more teachers or family members becoming infected.

Will social distancing measures be put in place in schools?

Class sizes will be smaller, creating more space for children and teachers, and children will only mix with their own small group.

The Government has acknowledged that young children cannot be expected to remain at least two metres apart from each other at all times and have not told schools to enforce this rule.

What if I’m too scared to send my child back?

The Department for Education has said while children in eligible groups are strongly encouraged to attend, parents will not be penalised and schools will not be held to account. Many schools will still send work home.

What’s happened in other countries?

Other countries have started to send children back without causing a massive spike in new infections, but Britain has been hit worse than some of these countries.