According to new government guidelines, childminders, nurseries and schools can reopen from 1 June. The guidelines include advice and plans for re-opening, including:
- vulnerable children and children of key workers should return to school from 13 May
- Year 1 and Year 6 children can return from 1 June
- some face-to-face contact will be provided for Year 10 and Year 12 students
- childminders can also reopen from 1 June
The guidelines also advise on the maximum number of children allowed in terms of social distancing, the introduction of break times, and staggered drop-off and pick-up times to minimize contact between parents and groups of children. Schools are advised to reduce class sizes to max. 15 pupils and increase their hygiene routines. It also states that children or young people who cannot follow these rules should stay at home. Special education schools are asked to prioritize the return of children.
School kitchens are also expected to reopen and provide meals for vulnerable children, free of charge, from 1 June.
Sector leaders and professionals are sceptical. For example, the National Education Union (NEU) considers the decision to reopen schools 'reckless'.
Rebecca Long-Bailey, Labour's shadow education secretary, said that reopening schools safely is not ensured as there is no clear scientific advice or safety plan.
Jenny Coles, president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, said schools and child services needed 'five to six weeks' to prepare to reopen, then parents can be sure about the safety in schools and nurseries.