Schools will reopen in phases, says Williamson

The reopening of schools in England is expected to take place in a "phased manner", says the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. He told the Education Select Committee the date for opening would depend on scientific advice - but schools would get "as much notice as possible". But when pupils start returning it could just be for some year groups. "All schools returning on day one with a full complement of pupils would not be realistic," he told MPs. With schools closed by the coronavirus outbreak, the education secretary faced questions on a timetable for re-opening and how to support the disadvantaged, while pupils were meant to be learning online from home.