Downing Street gives update on schools reopening amid 'local lockdown' fears

Schools are due to open in England as well as in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to all pupils in September.

They closed after lockdown in March, except to the children of key workers- but some reopened to certain year groups before the summer holiday began.

In a briefing to journalists, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said this week: "You've heard from the Prime Minister on many occasions his absolute commitment to getting children back into school in September and that's vital for their education and their development.

"We are planning for all pupils in all year groups to be in school full-time from the beginning of the autumn term."

He added that "hypothetically" some schools might not reopen straight away "if there was to be a very specific localised lockdown that requires a single school to close".

Schools have been given few restrictions on how they will be able to operate safely when pupils return in September.

Guidance published by the Department for Education demands that primary and secondary schools divide pupils into ‘bubbles’ of entire classes or year groups.

Additional advice has been left up to school chiefs to interpret, including recommendations about school start and finish times, hygiene routines and break times.

Children and staff will not be required to wear face coverings.

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