Breaking: TUC statement from education unions warns @BorisJohnson and @GavinWilliamson to "step back" from their June 1 date for reopening of schools to more pupils. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/gavin-williamson-return-to-school-coronavirus-june-step-back_uk_5ebbc9e7c5b6fb98733b254e?5wn

. @NEUnion @NAHTnews @GMB_union @unitetheunion @NASUWT @unisontheunion all make clear they fear 'transmission and spread' of Covid without proper protections

Perfect timing, as @GavinWilliamson delivers an Urgent Question in the Commons on 'phased return'. Says it will be 'challenging' but "I know that nursery school and college staff will do everything in their power to start welcoming our children back to continue their education"

Williamson tells @LaylaMoran he has "medical and scientific advice that is saying this is the right time to start bringing schools back in a phased and controlled manner".

Williamson very strong too on the reasons for the June 1 return:
"The reason that we bring schools back is that we know that children benefit from being educated by their brilliant teachers in front of them...

"We recognise that children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds are the ones who are going to suffer the most if we do not bring schools back when we are able to do so."