Primary schools won't open for key workers over summer, the government has confirmed today.

Schools remained open for the children of key workers and those deemed "vulnerable" during both the Easter holidays and the half term break.

Ministers are facing a backlash over its handling of education after the Prime Minister confirmed the majority of pupils would not return to the classroom before September.

It came after ministers angered teaching unions and parents by trying to bring back classroom teaching before many schools felt they had enough time to put in safety measures.

Amanda Spielman (
Image:
BBC)

The Prime Minister's spokesman confirmed the decision today saying: "There would have been a reasonable expectation that parents would expect schools not to be open over the course of the summer".

On Wednesday evening the Prime Minister announced a "massive catch-up operation over the summer and beyond".

This may include childcare options for key workers and others but are yet to be announced. 

Earlier today Ofsted’s chief inspector urged a more "can do" approach to reopening schools after the government scrapped plans to give all primary school pupils a month of teaching before the school holidays.

There is growing concern that children from the poorest families will see their progress permanently hit by the lack of in-classroom teaching this year.

Amanda Spielman told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I would like to hear a much more optimistic approach. I think it should be about what we can do, not about what we can't do."

On Wednesday evening the Prime Minister announced a "massive catch-up operation over the summer and beyond".

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Image:
Getty Images)

Today the National Education Union announced a 10-point plan to get the UK’s pupils back on track including funding free school meals during the holidays, encouraging retired teachers to help out and resources for the poorest to learn at home - including books and technology.

Labour leader Keir Starmer backed some of the measures including using libraries, sports halls, civic centres and churches to allow for social distancing during the pandemic.

At Prime Minister's Questions the Leader of the Opposition repeatedly accused the government of having no coherent plan for the return of all pupils.

The Prime Minister's spokesman said that the Education Secretary would provide more detail on catch-up plans next week.

The Government has stressed that all pupils have missed out on valuable time in school due to the pandemic and that they want to provide as much support as possible to get them back on track.