Health Secretary Matt Hancock has dashed the hopes of a nation today as he said it is "too soon" to say when schools will be able to return after the coronavirus outbreak.
But in a note of optimism during his interview with Sky News, he said he hoped the government would be in a position to decide on schools reopening "relatively soon".
There have been calls for schools to reopen next week as many children - and parents - struggle with the demands of home schooling and their children being isolated from their friends.
Asked about schools returning, Mr Hancock told Sky News: “We don’t know. We don’t know because we have to see the progress of the disease and we don’t know how people are going to behave in terms of the lockdown measures which are the thing that have the biggest impact on getting the disease down."
“I understand the frustration of people wanting to know the answer – will it be June, will it be September, for what age groups? We just don’t yet have the data but I think we are coming to a position relatively soon.”
Some reports have suggested ministers hope to be able to allow pupils in year six to return to class, with social distancing measures in place, from June 1.
Only a small number of children are attending schools due to their vulnerability or if they are the children of key workers who are unable to make alternative arrangements.
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he wanted to get primary school children back to classes as soon as possible.
Those in their last year of primary school are considered to be a priority as they are about to move up into high school.
On Tuesday, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said he wants to see children returning to school “when it’s the right time” based on the scientific and medical advice.
Mr Williamson added that there would be a “phased approach” to reopening schools.
However, newly appointed shadow education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey warned that parents are “anxious” about sending their children back to school.
Ms Long-Bailey asked Mr Williamson during Education Questions in the Commons on what basis the government would take the decision to reopen schools.
Mr Williamson replied: “In terms of the return of schools, obviously she, I’m sure, shares with me a desire to see children being in the opportunity of returning to school when it is the right time to do so.
“This will be based on the scientific and medical advice that we receive."
