SOME primary schools in St Helens are welcoming more children back from today, although the majority are not expected to reopen until later this month.

Primary schools in England have been asked by the government to bring back children in key transition years – nursery, reception, Year 1 and Year 6.

This is in addition to the children of key workers and vulnerable children who have been attending schools throughout the pandemic.

However, the vast majority of schools in St Helens will not be bringing more pupils on-site over fears it is not yet safe to so.

St Helens Council said it has been made aware of 12 primary schools that will be expanding school provision to accommodate pupils from the key year groups, while 36 schools are expected to open by June 15.

The government has confirmed that parents will not be penalised if their child does not attend school.

Cllr Sue Murphy, cabinet member for developing young people, said: “We are supporting schools to take the necessary steps in order to be able to extend their opening to reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils.

“With each school there are different issues and decisions to take into account, such as the current demand for space for key worker children and the physical size of the building, before they can reopen so we will support schools to decide when they are ready to expand classes.

“We are working closely with school governing bodies, staff and parents to help them prepare for more pupils returning to school and they are doing all they can to make sure they keep pupils safe during these unprecedented times.”

Ministers have previously said schools would only reopen to more children if the government’s five tests are met.

Boris Johnson said last week that the five tests are being met, as he revealed lockdown restrictions would begin to be eased from today.

However, several scientists on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), which advises the government, have since warned that easing the lockdown now is too soon.

Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and a member of Sage, wrote on Twitter that the government’s NHS test and trace system needed to be “fully working” before measures were eased.

And on Saturday, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, the government’s deputy chief medical officer, warned that the country is facing a “very dangerous moment”.

Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, Prof Van-Tam said the government and the public had a “dual responsibility” to prevent a second wave, adding that “we have to get this right.”