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<p>From the week commencing 1 June at the earliest, we will be asking primary schools
to welcome back children in nursery, reception, year 1 and year 6, alongside priority
groups. The rationale for identifying these year groups is included in guidance for
schools and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020:</p><p><a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020/actions-for-education-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020/actions-for-education-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020</a>.</p><p>
</p><p>The three year groups within mainstream primary have been prioritised because
they are key transition years – children in reception and year 1 are at the very beginning
of their school career and are mastering the essential basics, including counting
and the fundamentals of reading and writing, and learning to socialise with their
peers. Year 6 children are finishing Key Stage 2 and are preparing for the transition
to secondary school, and will benefit immensely from time with their friends and teachers
to ensure they are ready.</p><p>We will prioritise younger children in the first phases
of wider opening, for several reasons. Firstly, because there is moderately high scientific
confidence in evidence suggesting younger children are less likely to become unwell
if infected with COVID-19; and secondly because evidence shows the particularly detrimental
impact which time spent out of education can have upon them. In addition, older children
are more likely to have higher numbers of contacts outside of school so pose a greater
transmission risk, and they are typically better able to learn at home.</p><p>Our
approach is in line with other countries across Europe, who have begun to bring pre-school
and school-age children back in a phased way and are focusing on primary schools and
younger children.</p><p> </p>
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