Only two schools in Newcastle might reopen next week, despite the Government giving the okay for some classes to return on June 1.
Boris Johnson has confirmed that reception and years one and six classes will be able to go back into school from Monday.
Council bosses in Newcastle had said previously that city primary schools were taking a more cautious approach and were likely to welcome children back from June 8 instead.
But it has now been confirmed that two schools in the city have indicated that they could open again at some point next week.
Officials said neither school could be identified yet as definitive reopening plans have not been set in stone and parents have not been informed.
The council reiterated that parents will not be fined if they choose not to send their children back to class when schools open again, amid fears that doing so will risk increasing coronavirus infection rates.
A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: "It is important to remember that many of our city’s schools have been open throughout the pandemic, looking after vulnerable children and children of key workers.
"While we have been working closely with schools throughout the lockdown, we have not been advising them to open to increased numbers of pupils on any specific date.
"Schools will make the decision when to welcome back additional pupils based on their own individual risk assessments, taking into the account the unique nature of each setting.
"While it was not expected any schools in Newcastle would meet the Government’s June 1 time-frame, two schools indicated before the half-term break that they may be able to reopen during week commencing June 1. Other primary schools indicated that they may be able to welcome some groups of children the following week.
"Individual schools will contact parents and carers about their own arrangements when they are ready to do so.
"Parents and carers are under no obligation to return their children to school if they are uncomfortable in doing so at this time."
