THE government will not rule out the possibility of retired teachers being called back to classrooms as it emerged that some primary schools were unable to accomodate returning pupils.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said the Education Secretary had promised to do "whatever we can" to help in response to suggestions that ex-teachers could return.

It comes as earlier this week, the government dropped its plans for all primary school children to return by the summer holidays.

The government's original plan had been for all primary pupils in England to spend four weeks in class before the summer break.

But some schools said they were already full and could not accommodate more children under current social distancing guidelines.

Some have since suggested that teachers ex-teachers could help teach extra classes held in makeshift classrooms in the community.

But saying it would not rule out calling on ex-teachers to help, the PM's spokesman said: "The Education Secretary has said that we will do whatever we can to make sure that no child falls behind as a result of coronavirus.

"We have already committed over £100 million to support children to learn at home and pupil premium funding continues to be paid at the highest-ever rate to help schools to support disadvantaged pupils.

"We are working to bring all children back in September and are considering what more is needed to support pupils."

The spokesman added: "We have also said that we are looking at what further support we can provide over the summer."