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The government has made “no decision” about when the schools will reopen, the education secretary said.
Gavin Williamson’s announcement this morning comes amid reports that students could be sent back to school in just three weeks.
He tweeted, “I can assure schools and parents that they will only reopen when scientific advice indicates the time is right.”
A report in The Sunday Times follows that ministers are planning for certain age groups to gradually return to school to maintain patterns of social distancing.
According to reports, children and students of primary age in years 10 and 12, who were to take their GCSE and A levels, would be the first invited groups to return.
But if there is a delay in reopening schools, GCSE and A Level students may have to go to school during the six-week summer vacation, according to the report.
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There are also said to be plans to delay testing until July 2021 so that children can make up for time.
MP Dominic Raab, Michael Gove, Foreign Minister Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Matt Hancock are reportedly working out the plan, and it will be presented to Boris Johnson when he returns to Downing Street, which could be next week.
The prime minister has reportedly been given three dates for the reopening of schools: May 11, June 1 or early September.
But Cabinet Minister Michael Gove denied that the government has drawn up a graduated plan to begin easing the coronavirus blockade in a matter of weeks.
“The facts and advice are clear at this time that we should not be thinking about lifting these restrictions yet,” he told Sky.
Union leader Sir Keir Starmer has increased pressure for a “road map” outside the restrictions.
Sir Keir accused the Government of shuffling to face the pandemic.
Plus: UK
Writing in the mail on Sunday, Sir Keir said: ‘The government was too slow to enter the shutdown.
‘It has been too slow to increase the number of people taking the test.
‘It has been too slow to give the NHS staff the critical equipment they need to keep them safe. We need to make sure that these mistakes are not repeated.
‘Other countries have begun to establish a roadmap to lift restrictions in certain sectors of the economy and for certain services, especially social care, when the time is right.
‘This, of course, must be done in a careful and considerate manner with public health, scientific evidence, and the safety of workers and families at its heart. But the UK government should be doing the same. “
The comments came when Mail on Sunday reported that ministers are finalizing a three-stage “traffic light” plan that would see shops like DIY stores and garden centers reopen.
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