There is "little evidence" that coronavirus is transmitted in schools, the education secretary has said.
Gavin Williamson said the education and care of children is "a national priority" ahead of the planned return of pupils to schools in England in September.
He said the government is continuing to do "everything in our power" to ensure children return to school safely.
"We have always been and will continue to be guided by the best scientific and medical advice," Mr Williamson said.
"The latest research which is expected to be published later this year – one of the largest studies on the coronavirus in schools in the world – makes it clear there is little evidence that the virus is transmitted at school.
Advertisement
"There is also growing confidence among parents about their children returning. This is down to the hard work of school staff across the country who are putting in place a range of protective measures to prepare to welcome back all pupils at the start of term."
Health and Social Care minister Helen Whately said the risk in schools is "very low" based on research.
More from Covid-19
She told Sky News: "Combine that with the recommendations from Public Health England on making schools even safer – so teaching children in bubbles, staggering start and finish times for instance, and teachers encouraging children to frequently wash and sanitise their hands, means it is absolutely safe for children to get back to schools and it is really important that they do."
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/40057816
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Whately said the government is "determined" to see children back in the classroom.
"I know that teachers and parents have made huge efforts to continue children's efforts of education from home – but it's just not the same as children being in school," she added.
"Sadly we have seen children from more disadvantaged backgrounds more likely to fall behind in this time – so it's essential that we have children back at schools this autumn."
Sky News's political correspondent Kate McCann said despite the lack of evidence of transmission in schools, there are "some concerns for older pupils and teenagers and how to ensure they stick to social distancing rules".
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson is facing widespread calls to boost coronavirus testing and tracing in order to reopen schools safely without imposing further restrictions on businesses or social lives.
The prime minister, who has spoken of a "moral duty" to reopen schools, said scientific advisers have warned him that "Read More – Source
[contf]
[contfnew]
sky news
[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]
