When and how will schools reopen, and what do teachers think? What we know so far

All schools in England have been closed since March 23, except for children of critical workers or vulnerable children, where they cannot be safely cared for at home.

But with the country appearing to have passed the peak of the crisis, questions are starting to be asked about when schools could reopen.

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Schools in Wales could reopen at the beginning of June, according to the country’s first minister Mark Drakeford.

He told the BBC's Andew Marr Show that work was under way to ensure schools there follow social distancing guidelines, that a phased return is being considered and that a minimum of three weeks would be needed to prepare from the time it was decided it is safe for pupils and teachers.

Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman told Sophy Ridge on Sunday there is a ‘great deal of logic’ in younger children returning to the classroom soonest because they depend more on routine and require more ‘care and oversight’ from parents at home.

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She suggested that certain youngsters could be back in school while others remain learning at home for ‘some while’.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson has said schools will remain closed ‘until the scientific advice changes, and we have met the five tests set out by Government to beat this virus’.

“We will work in close consultation with the sector to consider how best to reopen schools, nurseries and colleges when the time is right so that parents, teachers and children have sufficient notice to plan and prepare,” he added.

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The National Education Union (NEU) says it wants schools and colleges to reopen ‘as soon as we can’ but has set out five tests that must be met first.

Those are:

Much lower numbers of COVID-19 cases, with a sustained downward trend

A national plan for social distancing and appropriate PPE

Comprehensive access to regular testing for children and staff

Protocols in place to test a whole school when a case occurs and for isolation to be strictly followed

Protection in place for vulnerable staff and those living with vulnerable people, who should be allowed to work from home.