Primary schools in England could reopen to some year groups from 1 June “at the earliest”, says Boris Johnson.
The prime minister said a phased return to school would begin with pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, if infection rates and the government’s other tests at the time allow it.
For most pupils, schools have been closed since 20 March.
But the National Education Union said the reopening plan was “nothing short of reckless”.
“At the earliest by June 1, after half term, we believe we may be in a position to begin the phased reopening of shops and to get primary pupils back into schools, in stages,” said Mr Johnson, in an address to the nation.