Prime Minister Boris Johnson says that plans to reopen primary schools at the start of June is still expected to continue.

There has been some backlash since the announcement that Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 students can return to school on June 1, but the Prime Minister has assured it is still the intention to “go ahead with that as planned”.

Mr Johnson said that the schools reopening will be “manageable and safe as possible”.

At the Downing Street update, he said: “Full social distancing may not be possible, especially when teaching younger children, but our guidance sets out measures.”

Current guidance by the Department of Education says schools should limit classes to ‘social bubbles’ of 15 pupils, meaning that one group of students cannot mix or interact with other ‘bubbles’.

Some schools may have less pupils depending on how big the school is and how much staff is available.

Students will also have staggered start, break and finishing times at schools to keep children distant from one another.

There will be increased cleaning stations, limited shared items and more to ensure that children do not contract Covid-19.

Mr Johnson added that by June 15, secondary schools should provide some contact for Year 10 and 12 students.

The PM said the phased reopening of schools was "crucial" for children.

He said: "The education of children is crucial for their welfare, for their long-term future and for social justice."

“We will of course continue to consider all the evidence as we said we would do, and we will continue to work hard.”

The Prime Minister added that a thorough explanation to what Phase 2 means for other areas such as non-essential retail in the next week.

He concluded that “we are making good progress, but that progress is provisional.”