THIS morning, schools across the region reopened their doors after almost ten weeks of closure following the coronavirus outbreak.
Primary schools in parts of the North-East and North Yorkshire reopened to our youngsters in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6.
But due to safety concerns raised by some councils, not every part of the region decided to follow suit.
Here's what you need to know about sending your child back to school during the coronavirus pandemic.
Why are schools reopening?
The government first announced the reopening of schools last month as it said the UK had 'met' the five tests needed to progress to the next stage.
The tests, which are helping the government to guage how it lifts lockdown, shows that the country is moving towards alert level three.
As part the completion of those tests, the government said all primary schools in England would be allowed to reopen on June 1.
But a poll ran by The Northern Echo revealed an overwhelming majority of North-East parents appeared against sending their child back.
In fact, around 80 percent of those polled - out of more than 3,000 - said they weren't sending their child to school on June 1.
What schools are going back?
As of Monday, June 1 - it is considered that the following councils are allowing their primary schools to reopen from today.
Although parents are advised to contact their child's school for further information as not every school in each council area may have reopened.
- Newcastle City Council
- Sunderland City Council
- South Tyneside Council
- North Tyneside Council
- Stockton-on-Tees Council
- Middlesbrough Council
- Redcar and Cleveland Council
- Northumberland County Council
- North Yorkshire County Council
What schools are not going back?
But some schools will not be reopening just yet as the following councils raise concerns over the target date.
- Durham County Council - suggested June 15 is "more realistic" to reopen.
- Gateshead Council - said schools will begin the process of a gradual reintroduction of more children from June 8.
- Hartlepool Council - said schools "would not reopen" on June 1 due to a rise in Covid-19 cases in area.
When will secondary schools reopen?
The region's secondary schools will reopen from June 15, the government confirmed.
Secondary schools will reopen to allow students in key year groups – Year 10 and Year 12 – to have contact with teachers as they study for exams they will sit next year.
Will I be penalised for not sending my child back?
Parents and guardians who refuse to send their children to school over fears that they could catch coronavirus will not be fined.
New guidance confirms parents 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)."
However, you are still expected to notify your child's school or college if your child is unable to attend.
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