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Coronavirus: How will schools be able to reopen? Coronavirus: How will schools be able to reopen?
(32 minutes later)
Plans are being made for how schools in England will start to reopen next month.Plans are being made for how schools in England will start to reopen next month.
However, there is disagreement over whether children will be returning too soon and how schools can be made safe.However, there is disagreement over whether children will be returning too soon and how schools can be made safe.
When will schools reopen?When will schools reopen?
In England, ministers say schools should prepare to begin to open for more pupils from 1 June.In England, ministers say schools should prepare to begin to open for more pupils from 1 June.
This would be for those in nursery and pre-school, Reception and Years 1 and 6 at primary school. At secondary school and college, Years 10 and 12 would return first.This would be for those in nursery and pre-school, Reception and Years 1 and 6 at primary school. At secondary school and college, Years 10 and 12 would return first.
Only a tiny fraction of the regular school population are likely to attend.
Schools in Wales will not reopen on 1 June, while those in Scotland and Northern Ireland may not restart before the summer holidays.Schools in Wales will not reopen on 1 June, while those in Scotland and Northern Ireland may not restart before the summer holidays.
Is it safe to reopen schools?Is it safe to reopen schools?
Young children are superspreaders of other diseases, such as flu, but so far appear to be at low risk of becoming very ill from coronavirus.Young children are superspreaders of other diseases, such as flu, but so far appear to be at low risk of becoming very ill from coronavirus.
However, nine education and teachers' unions have expressed concern about schools reopening next month - saying it was still too early to be safe.However, nine education and teachers' unions have expressed concern about schools reopening next month - saying it was still too early to be safe.
The unions called for a delay until a full testing regime was in place and said that "classrooms of four and five-year olds could become sources of Covid-19 transmission and spread".The unions called for a delay until a full testing regime was in place and said that "classrooms of four and five-year olds could become sources of Covid-19 transmission and spread".
And the Department for Education's chief scientific adviser, Osama Rahman, said he had not assessed the safety guidance given to schools. The government does not recommend face coverings in schools, except in a few cases, even if teachers cannot maintain social distancing.
How will schools reopen?How will schools reopen?
The Department for Education has issued guidance to schools in England.The Department for Education has issued guidance to schools in England.
It says they should:It says they should:
Scotland's largest teachers' union the EIS says the country will need to adopt "a new blended approach" to teaching and learning. This could include a combination of part-time learning at school and home or online working.Scotland's largest teachers' union the EIS says the country will need to adopt "a new blended approach" to teaching and learning. This could include a combination of part-time learning at school and home or online working.
The Welsh government has set out five key principles which would enable schools to reopen. These include having guidance to support social distancing, managing attendance and wider protective actions.The Welsh government has set out five key principles which would enable schools to reopen. These include having guidance to support social distancing, managing attendance and wider protective actions.
In Northern Ireland, the education minister said "practical measures" like PPE for staff, social distancing at mealtimes and safety for school transport needed to be arranged.In Northern Ireland, the education minister said "practical measures" like PPE for staff, social distancing at mealtimes and safety for school transport needed to be arranged.
Do I have to send my children to school?Do I have to send my children to school?
At present, it is not compulsory for key worker parents to send their children to school, and there are no fines for those who have not taken up the places available to them.At present, it is not compulsory for key worker parents to send their children to school, and there are no fines for those who have not taken up the places available to them.
It is expected that this temporary arrangement - where usual sanctions do not apply - will continue for all parents of any year groups going back in England during the summer term.It is expected that this temporary arrangement - where usual sanctions do not apply - will continue for all parents of any year groups going back in England during the summer term.
What about disadvantaged children?What about disadvantaged children?
Approximately 2% of pupils - those considered vulnerable and the children of critical workers - are attending school in person.Approximately 2% of pupils - those considered vulnerable and the children of critical workers - are attending school in person.
The government is urging teachers and local authorities to encourage more youngsters from these backgrounds to go to classes each day.The government is urging teachers and local authorities to encourage more youngsters from these backgrounds to go to classes each day.
Concerns have been raised about the harm to disadvantaged children of missing school, and Education Select Committee chairman Robert Halfon wants retired teachers among others to help them catch up.
What's happening in other countries?What's happening in other countries?
Denmark was the first European country to start allowing children up to the age of 11 back to school. Germany has also partially reopened schools for young children and those taking exams, with others to follow later in the term. Schools in Denmark have reopened, as have some in Germany, and in France, although those in the Republic of Ireland, Italy and September will stay shut until after the holidays.
Primary schools and nurseries in France will reopen on Monday, with schools for 11 to 15-year-olds following a week later. Schools for 15 to 18-year-olds will open in June.
Schools in the Republic of Ireland will not reopen until August, while Italy and Spain are to keep their schools shut until September.
How are children currently being educated at home?How are children currently being educated at home?
Schools have tried to continue a limited curriculum online, relying on parents and guardians to supervise.Schools have tried to continue a limited curriculum online, relying on parents and guardians to supervise.
Educationalists say that parents should not be expected to do the teacher's job, but they can try to maintain a routine of learning and study habits - even if it's only for an hour or two a day.Educationalists say that parents should not be expected to do the teacher's job, but they can try to maintain a routine of learning and study habits - even if it's only for an hour or two a day.
To support home learning, the BBC has also launched a major programme of expanded educational content on its BBC Bitesize service, including regular daily lessons in English, Maths and other core subjects.To support home learning, the BBC has also launched a major programme of expanded educational content on its BBC Bitesize service, including regular daily lessons in English, Maths and other core subjects.
What about exams?What about exams?
Summer exams have been cancelled in England, Wales and Scotland. This includes GCSEs and A-levels in England and Wales, plus primary school Sats national curriculum tests in England. In Scotland, Highers and Nationals will not be going ahead.Summer exams have been cancelled in England, Wales and Scotland. This includes GCSEs and A-levels in England and Wales, plus primary school Sats national curriculum tests in England. In Scotland, Highers and Nationals will not be going ahead.
Exam watchdogs have been working together on alternative arrangements.Exam watchdogs have been working together on alternative arrangements.
Have you been affected by the school closures due to coronavirus? Please get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Have you been affected by the school closures due to coronavirus? Please get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
When will children go back to school?When will children go back to school?
Or use the form below:Or use the form below: