Schools, colleges and nurseries across England remain on track to open to more children from 1 June, the Prime Minister confirmed.
Primary schools will welcome back children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, while nurseries and other early years providers will begin welcoming back children of all ages.
Secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges will also provide face-to-face contact for Year 10, Year 12 and equivalent 16-19 further education students to help them prepare for exams next year. It is expected this will begin from 15 June, with around a quarter of these secondary students in at any point.
Boris Johnson praised teachers, childcare workers and support staff for the work they have been doing throughout the pandemic.
He also acknowledged that some schools may not be able to reopen immediately, and committed the Government to continuing to work with the sector to ensure any schools experiencing difficulties are able to open as soon as possible.
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All children and staff, and their families, will also have access to testing if they display symptoms.
Children will also be encouraged not to travel on public transport where possible, in line with the advice to the wider population.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “This has been a difficult time for the entire country. Education and childcare staff have stepped up to the challenge, making sure children and young people have continued to be supported throughout the past ten weeks.
“Our priority is the education and welfare of all children and young people across the country. That is why we want to start a phased wider opening of nurseries, school and colleges is informed by the best possible scientific and medical advice.
“We will continue to work with the sector to support them to prepare for wider opening and ensure all children and young people can continue to receive the best care, education and training possible.”
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