The phased re-opening of some primary schools is due to get under way on Monday as lockdown restrictions continue to be eased.
The news has been greeted with relief by some parents - and by fear in the case of others.
Others still have urged families not to judge others or assume they are making a reckless decision.
Liverpool Council was one of the first local authorities to say it does not intend to open schools in line with the government timetable - with dozens of others following suit.
Wirral Council has told schools they can ignore the government's demand if they think it is not in the best interest of children.
Knowsley Council has said it will prioritise safety over speed in deciding when schools will reopen, but some are lobbying for the local authority to take a firmer line and keep the schools shut to all except vulnerable children and children of key workers.
Sefton Council is looking to open schools on June 15.
Here's what some ECHO readers thought when we asked them whether they would be sending their kids back to school on June 1.
Gillian Millington said: "Not at the moment but maybe in a few weeks depending on infection and death rate mainly.
"Hating the comments here assuming all parents who CHOOSE not to send their kids back must be visiting packed parks and beaches! We haven't and have followed the rules, everyone needs to make a choice for their own family and stop judging people either way."
Kelly Newton said: "My daughter will be going back to nursery, I'll be going back to work and my husband is a key worker who had worked throughout all of this so we don't have the option to keep our daughter home.
"We have followed all guidelines and not left the house since lockdown started (apart from my husband to go to work, shopping we have had delivered).
"It's annoying that people will be questioning/judging me for sending my daughter back when some have been taking their kids to busy parks and beaches, putting their kids are more risk than they would be at a school with steps in place to keep children and staff as safe as possible."
Rachel Benson said: "My boys will be going back as I am a childminder assistant and my partner is a key worker too. He has worked throughout lockdown but I was at home.
"I am returning to work on Monday so unfortunately our children will have too. They need normality and obviously their parents need to work."
Sharon Harris said: "When I see them all sitting back in parliament and the little rich kids' private schools are open, which is not till September, then I may deem it's safe to send my kids back.
"They are not putting themselves or their kids at risk so why should I."
Carol Anne said: "I respect everyone's decision to send their kids back to school or keep them home... I don't respect anyone who's been out all over the lockdown, going to the beach, the park, parties at home with people from different addresses, letting the kids play out in the street mixing with other kids... these are the sort of people be the first to refuse to send their kids back."
Cally Forster said: "My daughter is 13 - her school have said they won’t be returning until September, yet I'm expected back at work next week to prepare for reopening on 15th.
"I can't leave her with grandparents and legally she's not allowed to be left alone so what are we meant to do?"
