PARENTS and guardians who refuse to send their children to school over fears that they could catch coronavirus will not be fined. 

New guidance has been published following the Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement that schools in England could reopen by July 1.

Provided the outbreak of coronavirus is contained, schools will open to certain year groups including Reception, Year 1, Year 6, Year 10 and Year 12.

The government said it wanted to ensure that the youngest children, those preparing for secondary school, and those preparing for exams next year, had maximum time with their teachers.

But new guidance confirms parents and guardians will not be fined for their child's non-attendance at any time during the coronavirus pandemic.

It says: "We strongly encourage children and young people in the eligible year groups and priority groups (such as children of critical workers) to attend, as requested by their school or college, unless they are self-isolating or there are other reasons for absence (such as shielding due to health conditions).

"You should notify your child’s school or college as normal if your child is unable to attend so that staff are aware and can discuss with you.

"Parents will not be fined for non-attendance at this time."

It comes as the guidance revealed that primary school class sizes should be limited to 15 pupils. 

The guidelines, from the Department for Education (DfE), advises desks should be spaced as far as possible and outdoor space used.

The guidelines also said schools should stagger lunch and break times, as well as drop-off and pick-up times, to reduce the number of pupils moving around.

The Northern Echo's readers have been left divided over whether children should be allowed to return to the school while the pandemic continues in the UK.

One reader, Susan Leak said: "I think it's absolute madness to let children to return to school in June. Why not just let them return when the September term starts. I feel that it's way too soon to think about it."

Another reader, Helen Forster said: "I'm horrified that they're sending Reception and Year 1 in first, and have even admitted that they can't social distance. Mine are Years 2 and 3 and I definitely won't be sending them in."

Meanwhile, Lorna Hart said she would be sending her daughter back into school.

She said: "I'll be sending my daughter back as soon as they allow her to. Although she's Year 3 so no word on when that will be. I'm hoping it's before September."