Boris Johnson stands by plan to reopen schools and suggests retail may come next

Despite criticism from teachers, unions and parents, Boris Johnson said the government was standing by its plan to reopen schools for reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils from next week and announced a return for Years 10 and 12 "to help them prepare for exams" next year.

He said: "Two weeks ago I set up the government's roadmap to begin easing the measures we put in place to control the spread of coronavirus. I said that we would do so in a safe and controlled way.

"Based on our assessment of progress against the five tests we set for adjusting the lockdown, we're going to set out that assessment in detail in the coming days.

"But today, I can confirm that I do believe we will be in a position to move to step two of our plan. As part of step two, we set out plans for a phased reopening of schools, because the education of our children is crucial for their welfare, their health for their long term future, and for social justice. And so, in line with the approach being taken in many other countries, we want to start getting our children back into the classroom, in a way that is as manageable and as safe as possible."

Last week, teachers said it would not be possible to fit 15 children in each classroom, as per government guidance, and teaching unions warned it was "not safe" for pupils or teachers.

Council leaders said schools should be allowed to make their own decisions about reopening - especially in areas where there is a higher proportion of black, Asian and minority ethnic residents.

The Prime Minister appeared to address concerns. He said: "By opening schools to more pupils in this limited way, we're taking a deliberately cautious approach and this comes out very constructive period of consultation with schools, teachers, and unions, led by the education secretary, Gavin Williamson. I want to thank all the teachers education and childcare staff who stepped up to the challenge and kept schools open throughout this crisis. The Department for Education will engage with teaching unions local authorities and school leaders in the coming days, giving them an opportunity to ask questions and probe the evidence behind our plans."

He added that the final decision will be taken as part of the formal review into lockdown measures which the law requires the government to undertake by Thursday.

Mr Johnson also alluded to the possibility of retail reopening, with more details to come this week.

He said: "We will set out what moving to step two means for other areas, such as non essential retail and more social contacts, over the course of the next week."