Are schools open today?

Many of England’s primary schools have been told to open following the Christams break despite ongoing debate about whether pupils should be returning to classrooms as coronavirus infections soar across the country.

Headteachers have complained of confusion and conflicting advice after education unions called for a “pause” in reopening schools for safety reasons.

The Department of Education said remaining shut should only be a “last resort”, while prime minister Boris Johnson said he has "no doubt" that classrooms were safe and parents should send children back to schools in England which remain open.

But local authorities in England have raised concerns about reopening after the Christmas break.

The plan for getting children back into the classroom currently differs across the four nations, as well as some individual regions.

England

All of London's primary schools and those in some surrounding areas will not reopen until 18 January due to the fast-spreading variant of Covid-19.

Primary schools elsewhere have been told to stay open and Boris Johnson has said parents should send children back to classrooms where they are open this week.

But local leaders across the country have said they will support headteachers that decide it is safer if their school remains closed.

Secondary schools in England will have a staggered return, with pupils taking exams this year resuming in-person lessons on 11 January 11 and other year groups on 18 January.

Scotland

The Christmas break has been extended until 11 January in Scotland, with teaching to be online only until 15 January.

First minister Nicola Sturgeon said the “planning assumption” remains to open schools for face-to-face learning on 18 January, but parents will be informed of any changes that may be necessary.

Wales

Schools are set to use staggered returns for pupils in Wales, with face-to-face learning expected to return for most by 11 January and a full return before 18 January.

On Sunday, first minister Mark Drakeford said a “phased and flexible return” had been agreed with local authorities, which would allow schools to choose their reopening date based on the coronavirus situation in their area.

He said the Welsh government would “keep this under consideration”, while its technical advisory group would look at all available evidence early next week.

Northern Ireland

First minister Arlene Foster said remote learning for schoolchildren in Northern Ireland should only be for a short period.

Primary pupils are to be taught remotely for the week from 4 to 8 January, while for secondary school years 8 to 11 remote learning is due to last for the entire month.

Additional reporting PA