Schools across the country are preparing to reopen on June 1 but many parents still have concerns about sending their little ones into classrooms amid the coronavirus crisis.
The Government has outlined plans to partially reopen schools for pupils in nursery, reception, and years one and six. Remaining primary school year groups could be added at later dates.
However, concerns have been raised by parents who fear it may be too soon to allow youngsters into classrooms, even with social distancing and other safety measures in place.
A number of authorities across the country have said they will not open schools on June 1, including Hartlepool Borough Council, which has stressed it will be taking a "cautious approach".
But what happens if your child's school opens and you don't feel comfortable sending them in? Will parents be fined or will any action be taken against them for keeping children off?
Under normal circumstances, parents can be prosecuted for not sending their children to school. First, warnings are issued and offers of help are made by local authorities before matters are taken further.
Councils and schools can use various legal powers if pupils are missing classes without a good reason, including parenting orders, education supervision orders and fines.
The final resort is prosecution and parents are taken to court.
However, the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in unprecedented circumstances and the Government has confirmed that parents won't be fined.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education said: "Whilst there will be no penalty for families who do not send their children to school, families will be strongly encouraged to take up these places - unless the child or a family member is shielding or the child is particularly vulnerable due to an underlying condition."
The progress of coronavirus cases will be monitored every day. If the virus stays on the downward slope, and the R remains below 1, only then will schools reopen.
The Government's aim is for other primary years to return later in June, but this will be kept under review.
Guidance is being provided to schools, setting out a range of measures to ensure education settings remain safe, including reducing the size of classes and keeping children in small groups without mixing with others.
There are set to be staggered break and lunch times, as well as drop offs and pick ups, and the frequency of cleaning is to be increased.
