Government says school class sizes may double from 15 to 30 kids in September

School class "bubbles" could be increased in size in order to get more children back to school by September, Gavin Williamson has said.

Children returning to school are taught in protective "bubbles" of 15 pupils who are kept apart from other children in the school.

If one child in the "bubble" tests positive, all 15 have to isolate for two weeks.

Increasing the maximum class size to 30 would mean entire classes could have to go into isolation if a single pupil tests positive.

The Education Secretary said schools would be given fresh guidance on changes to social distancing rules in the next two weeks.

He told the Downing Street briefing: "This is why we've said clearly we're going to be publishing the further guidance within the next two weeks so that schools have the maximum amount of time to prepare for the next phase of welcoming children back."

(PA)

And he repeated Boris Johnson's commitment to have all children of all ages back into schools from September.

But he didn't confirm whether this would see classes return full-time.

Gavin Williamson said: "We've been creating bubbles of children in the classroom, creating a protective environment for those children.

"Currently that is at 15, what we would be looking at doing is expanding those bubbles to include the whole class."

He said signs the virus was reducing meant ministers could look at "making sure every child returns to school".

Mr Williamson added: "We recognise there is still going to have to be protective measures put in place to make sure children are safe and make sure that teachers and all those who work in school are safe as well, and that is why we are going to be issuing further guidance in the next two weeks."

He added: "School is vital for every one of our children. That is why we will bring all children, in all year groups, back to school in September.

"While many children have already returned to school, I do understand that there is anxiety still among parents.

"I want to assure you that the wellbeing of your children is the absolute top priority for every single one of us."