Everything you need to know about Harrogate schools re-opening from start of June

And while the move has been welcomed by some, it has also sparked concern amongst teachers, parents and carers.

The National Education Union has rejected the reopening plan as “reckless" - and it has even told teachers and other school staff not to "engage" with the proposals.

But Richard Flinton, Chief Executive of North Yorkshire County Council, has tried to reassure staff and parents that students will return "safely" and only when "science guides us to."

He said all aspects of the school day - from home to school transport, cleaning, catering and education - need to be appropriately managed.

Which schools are reopening and when?

Youngsters could start returning to nurseries from June 1, as well primary school children in reception, year one and year six.

And there is an ambition that primary school pupils in all year groups could go back for a month before summer.

Government guidance says the decision to include year six in the first to return is “to ensure those preparing for the transition to secondary school, have maximum time with their teachers."

How will schools be made safe?

The government says class sizes should be limited to 15 pupils and desks should be spaced as far apart as possible.

Schools are also being advised to stagger break times, as well as drop-off and pick-up times.

Headteachers are also being told to consider introducing one-way circulation to keep young people apart.

Children will be encouraged to wash their hands often and cleaning will be made more frequent.

Will children and staff have to wear protection?

The guidance says children and staff will not be required to wear personal protective equipment.

But it should be worn by a supervising adult if a pupil becomes unwell with symptoms of coronavirus.

What if schools cannot introduce the measures?

Schools that cannot achieve small class sizes because of limited classroom space or staff numbers are being told to discuss this with their local authority or trust.

The government guidance says children might instead attend other nearby schools.

And what about secondary schools?

Secondary schools and colleges will stay closed, meaning the majority of pupils will not attend classes until September at the earliest.

But they have been told to prepare to begin some face-to-face contact with year 10 and 12 pupils who have key exams next year.

What if parents don’t send their children to school?

Almost half a million people have signed a petition urging the government to give parents a choice on sending their children back to school.

But parents will be strongly encouraged to take up these places - unless the child or a family member is shielding.

Families who choose to keep their children at home when schools reopen will not face fines.

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter

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