Boris Johnson has announced some primary-aged children in England could start returning to school from June 1 "at the earliest". By Sean Coughlan, BBC News. Kirsty Williams, Wales' education minister, has said schools will remain closed on June 1. BBC News. Joe McHugh, minister for education in Ireland, has said it is "too early" to say which measures will be in place to allow schools to reopen in September. By Aine McMahon, The Times. A separate article in The Times reports Scotland's schools are likely to remain closed until after the summer holidays, with a growing number of parents expected to defer their children's primary school places. By Kieran Andrews.
Several education unions have listed some key measures they believe must be put in place before schools can reopen. BBC News. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Headteachers, writes in The Telegraph arguing the Government must assure parents and school leaders that school reopenings are safe. iNews reports on unions' responses to the latest coronavirus press briefing, with the National Education Union describing plans to reopen schools in June as "nothing short of reckless". By Will Hazell.
iNews explores the views of some teachers who are concerned pupils and staff members will not be protected if schools reopen in June. By Jasmine Andersson. The Observer reports uncertainty over the timetable for school reopenings is increasing anxiety levels amongst headteachers. By Donna Ferguson. The Times reports some headteachers are warning parents might refuse to send their children back to school until a coronavirus vaccine is found. By Nicola Woolcock.
An article in The Telegraph features the insights of education experts on what a phased return to school might look like. By Sally Peck. The Guardian reports local authorities in Scotland are considering outdoor learning as a way to reopen schools while maintaining social distancing. By Libby Brooks. A group of 70 pre-school providers has written to ministers outlining how they can help primary schools manage social distancing once lockdown restrictions ease. By Michael Savage, The Observer.
Tes reports on claims that 20 to 30 per cent of independent schools could face closure as a result of financial pressures caused by the coronavirus outbreak. By Catherine Lough. The article quotes Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the ISC, David Woodgate, chief executive of the Independent Schools' Bursars Association and Chris King, chief executive of the Independent Association of Prep Schools. A separate article in Tes highlights five key issues facing the independent sector during the pandemic. By Catherine Lough. The article quotes Mr Woodgate and Mr King. Education secretary Gavin Williamson has said independent schools should not refuse to award grades to pupils whose parents do not pay their school fees. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph. The article quotes Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC.
Members of Holyrood's education committee have written to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) over concerns this year's grading system could "unfairly impact" children in deprived areas. By Simon Johnson, The Telegraph. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has expressed concern that the SQA has been "unable to demonstrate that they have considered any equality issues" in their grading proposals. By Mike Wade, The Times.
The Telegraph reports some teachers have been accused of "blocking" children's online learning during the lockdown, citing union guidelines which advise members to keep virtual lessons to "a minimum". By Camilla Turner. Schools Week reports four charities are working with ministers to explore ways to deliver one-to-one tuition to thousands of children across England. By Freddie Whittaker.
The Sunday Times lists a number of home learning resources and creative activities for children to engage in during the lockdown.
Bernard Trafford, a former independent school head, writes in Tes arguing schools and the Government must acknowledge two "harsh realities" about the impact of coronavirus on education. He says the curriculum is "not the important thing right now", and that the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers is "real, and growing".
An article in Tes explores how those seeking teaching roles during the lockdown can visit schools virtually. By Grainne Hallahan.