Education Secretary Gavin Williamson says reopening schools is based on 'best scientific advice'

Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing, Gavin Williamson says the Government’s approach to reopening school’s is based on the ‘best scientific advice’.

Children in reception, years 1 and 6 – as well as years 10 and 12 – will be able to go back to school in smaller class sizes as part of a phased return.

Mr Williamson, who addressed the importance of school for all children, says pupils who do not have support at home "will be the ones who fall furthest behind."

He added: "I know lots of you will be worried about sending your children to school. Every one of us wants the very best for our children and I know how stressful this time has been for families across the country.

"I want to reassure you that this approach is based on the best scientific advice, with children at the very heart of everything we do.

"Education is one of the most important and precious gifts that we can give any child."

It comes following calls from parents and teachers unions for assurances of safety – for both children and staff.

And it comes after it was announced Hartlepool schools will not reopen on June 1 as council and headteachers stand against Government plans.

Mr Williamson said the return was in line with other European countries in terms of getting pupils back at schools, colleges and nurseries.

When asked about the Government's response to criticism from the British Medical Association that the number of cases was not low enough to return to school, Mr Williamson said: "We recognise how important schools are in terms of the important role that they play in every child's life.

"It is understandable then when you're given the advice that there is an opportunity to start opening schools in a very controlled, careful and phased way because of the enormous benefits that delivers to every single child - not just in terms of their education, but in terms of their emotional welfare, their physical welfare as well, we should be looking at doing that."

He also said there are currently no plans to start the new school year in early August but said the Government is looking at different initiatives that could be rolled out during the summer period.

One member of the public from Gateshead questioned if a regional approach, which would look at the R rates of local areas, should be considered when deciding when schools should begin to return.

Mr Williamson said the reopening of schools would be done in a ‘very cautions’ manner and passing the Government's five key tests is an important part of any decision to allow more children to return to school.

Deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries says the evidence indicates children do not get as ill with Covid-19 as adults.

Recent "crude" data from the Office of National Statistics shows teachers have a lower death rate in comparison to other professions, though she added that the lockdown may have impacted this.

READ MORE: Education secretary Gavin Williamson to lead Government coronavirus briefing amid school reopening row

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