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Schools are to find out when they can reopen ‘within days,’ Education Minister Nick Gibb said.
He told the Commons: ‘The government recognises that headteachers, teachers, support staff and parents and carers need time to prepare for reopening.
‘That’s why the secretary of state made it clear we will give two weeks’ notice to schools colleges and universities so they can prepare for a return to face to face education.
‘We want to give notice so parents can get notice for the care of their children, and we will be making an announcement in the next few days.’
Mr Gibb said that the reopening of schools will be prioritised at the start of the process for lifting lockdown restrictions.
‘It is the Government’s strong desire to reopen all schools, colleges and universities as soon as possible,’ he said.
‘We will prioritise the reopening of schools as we begin the process of lifting lockdown restrictions.
‘We are acutely aware of the damage to children’s education and development, particularly to the most disadvantaged pupils by being away from school and of the increased burdens that are placed on parents.
‘And that’s why we allowed early years providers to remain open throughout this lockdown.’
It comes after reports pupils could continue learning from home until after Easter.
A Government source said the nation will remain in the current homeschooling set-up ‘for the long haul’ amid fears over new Covid variants. The virus mutation is believed to be up to 70% more infectious and 30% more deadly than other strains.
The source told The Times: ‘We are going to start giving parents more information so they can start managing their expectations. Although we have not arrived at an exact date when we think schools will go back, it will not be after half-term.’
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