The prime minister's official spokesperson has confirmed that face coverings are "only necessary for pupils in Year 7 and above", after a local council recommended their use in primary schools. By Nick Duffy, iNews.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, has called on the Government to provide decisive guidance on face masks in secondary schools. By Sally Weale and Jessica Elgot, The Guardian.

Some secondary schools have been accused of "blackmailing" parents into giving consent for coronavirus testing, after writing to them stating that their children will not be allowed to return to face-to-face lessons if they refuse. By Camilla Turner, The Telegraph. According to iNews, in some schools up to half of parents have not yet consented for their children to be tested for COVID-19 when they return to school. By Will Hazell.

Survey findings from the National Education Union suggest three in five school staff oppose the Government's plan for the full reopening of schools next week. By Catherine Lough and Dave Speck, Tes.

Addressing MPs on the Education Select Committee yesterday, Sir Kevan Collins, the education recovery commissioner, said that children will require a learning support package that is "long-term and sustained and far-reaching". BBC News. Schools Week summarises key findings from the Education Select Committee. By Samantha Booth.

According to Schools Week, attendance in secondary schools has varied significantly across England this term, ranging from 1.2 per cent to 9.7 per cent. By Freddie Whittaker.

First minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that all pupils in Scotland will be able to return to school after the Easter break. By Libby Brooks, The Guardian.

The Times reports more than 11,000 children are waiting for mental health support in Scotland, amid concerns about the impact of the pandemic on their wellbeing. By Helen Puttick.

Uncertainty over how long COVID affects children has prompted calls for more research into the condition. By Jennifer Rigby and Anne Gulland, The Telegraph.

Data from the Department for Education shows over 1.2 million laptops and tablets have been dispatched to schools and local authorities to support remote learning. By James Carr, Schools Week.

New survey findings suggest girls and women aged between 14 and 24 have taken on the majority of household chores during the pandemic, leaving them with less time to focus on their education. By Rachel Hall, The Guardian.

Speaking to The Telegraph, several Year 11 students share their views on the decision to switch to teacher-assessed GCSE grades. By Claudia Rowan.

Hope Not Hate, an anti-racism charity, has issued safeguarding guidance to schools in England and Wales, amid concerns that an increased number of children have been exposed to far-right extremism during lockdown. By Maya Wolfe-Robinson, The Guardian.

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