The moves to reopen schools in the UK are "political decisions" not supported by scientific evidence, a SAGE member said this evening.
Professor John Edmunds, who is one of the government's main scientific modellers, conceded it is "wrong" for the decision to be made by scientists.
Currently, primary schools in England will begin reopening in phases from June 1 despite fierce debate in the education sector.
And Prof Edmunds, of SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) called this a "political choice".
He said that ministers claiming they are 'following the science' is 'misleading'.
Speaking to LBC, the professor added: "Ultimately these things are political decisions - that's why we put these people in power over us to make these decisions on our behalf.
"It's wrong to say that that's being done by a group of epidemiologists - it just isn't. These are political choices.
"It's politicians' jobs to do that and they are doing that - it's just sometimes they're pretending that they're not and they're just sort of 'following the science'.
"But which aspect of the science are they following at this particular moment?"
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies provides scientific and technical advice to support government decision makers during emergencies.
It has assisted the government during the lockdown, which began on March 23.
Mirror Online told today how pupils in years 10 and 12 should not expect to return to schools in early June.
The Association of School and College Leaders wrote to members, urging members to “rule out” those years going back to school “immediately after half-term.”
General Secretary, Geoff Barton said he sensed “some changes in government thinking” on when secondary school pupils should return.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said last week that he wanted to start planning for Years 10 and 12 to return "so they can get the opportunity to come back on a limited basis to have some face to face" time before sitting exams.
But Mr Barton said no guidance had been provided for how secondary schools should plan for their return.
