Primary schools could re-open on June 1 as the government prepares to help parents get back to work.

Schools across the nation were closed in March to all pupils bar the children of keyworkers.

Primaries in Basingstoke have been operating with skeleton staff on rotation to ensure vulnerable youngsters and children of keyworkers still receive an education during the lockdown period. 

The Sunday Telegraph reports that primary schools could re-open next month in England,  with students from Years 10 and 12 returning in the next wave.

The move was welcomed by Ofsted's top chief who said there is a "great deal of logic" to returning in June.

However, one teaching union says reopening in June could be "premature".

Primary school pupils are set to be the first to return as it is thought that young children suffer less severe complications from Covid-19, while secondary school pupils will return at a later date.

The prime minister told The Sun on Sunday that he would like primary schools opened "as fast as we can", adding: "That’s where we want to go. It’s about working out a way to do it."

Officials said getting kids back into classrooms are a ‘top priority’ in the timetable to ‘unlock’ the UK and reports suggest primary schools could be given notice as soon as this week, if infection rates continue to drop.

Whitehall sources told The Telegraph Mr Johnson is hoping to give UK teachers three weeks’ notice to reopen to all primary schools to students on June 1.

This date could be pushed back if infection rates do not continue to fall and it is not deemed safe to send pupils back to class.

However, sources say it is "far too early" to pencil in a date, telling The Sun: ‘Schools will be out for a little longer yet but they’re definitely a top priority." 

Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman said there is a ‘great deal of logic’ in targeting younger children to return to the classroom.

The education boss told Sophy Ridge On Sunday earlier this morning that normality for younger children is important, saying that the younger they are "the more they need routine".

From parents’ point of view it is logical for younger pupils to be in school she added, as they tend to need more "care and oversight". 

Ms Spielman also suggested that there could be a "mixed economy" with some youngsters in school and others still learning at home.

A spokesperson for the Department for Education said: "Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has not set a date for schools reopening.

"Schools will remain closed, except for children of critical workers and vulnerable children, until the scientific advice indicates it is the right time to reopen and the five tests set out by Government to beat this virus have been met."