AFTER months of working from kitchen tables, kids are finally returning to schools.
From tomorrow kids in England will return to classroom, while elsewhere in the UK a staggered approach is being taken.
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When will schools reopen in the UK?
England: From March 8
Boris Johnson last month announced that schools will reopen in England to all kids on March 8.
The PM's roadmap out of lockdown begins with schools returning, followed by non-essential retail reopening.
Schools are set to return from this date for all pupils in all year groups in England – rather than a staggered approach.
Mr Johnson confirmed that when schools reopen on March 8, after-school sports and activities will also be allowed to restart.
Secondary school pupils will have to wear masks in corridors and classrooms.
He said: "Children are our priority.
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi confirmed this morning it would be "all schools".
"I think being out of education has been hugely difficult for children and I think it's right that we work together.
"Now, as we see the vaccine deployment programme continue at pace, to be able to reopen schools on their demand.
"I think it's right that we focus our efforts on schools to reopen by the eighth of March."
Scotland: More to return from March 15
Younger kids are returned to schools in Scotland on February in small numbers, but more join them in the next few weeks.
Children in primaries one to three are back in Scottish schools along with some senior secondary pupils who need to do practical work for qualifications.
All children under school age in early learning and childcare have also returned.
Senior secondary pupils will need to stick to two-metre social distancing within schools and on school buses, while Covid-19 testing will be made available to them and teachers.
All remaining primary school children are set to return to school full-time from 15 March, with all secondary pupils returning on a part-time basis from that date.
Regulated childcare, including breakfast and after-school clubs, for primary pupils will also re-start on 15 March as part of the Phase 2 return.
From 15 March, all secondary pupils will receive both high quality remote learning and some in-school teaching.
Councils will decide how to safely balance in-school learning based on local circumstances and needs.
Wales: More to return from March 15
Children aged between three and seven began returning to primary schools On February 22.
But from 15 March, all remaining primary school children will be able to be back learning onsite.
Pupils in years 11 and 13 of secondary school are set to be back by this date.
And those taking exams in 10 and 12 will also return on that date.
Pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 are set to have "check in" sessions before Easter and are due to return fully from mid-April.
Northern Ireland: March 8
The Stormont executive agreed to prolong the country's current lockdown to April 1, with a review of the measures expected on March 18.
Now, primary school pupils in year groups P1 to P3 will return to face-to-face learning on March 8.
Only vulnerable children and those of key workers have been in classrooms since January.
On March 22, secondary pupils in key exam years – year groups 12 to 14 – will return to school.
It is understood P1-P3 pupils will revert to remote learning for a week on that date – for the week prior to the Easter holidays – to minimise the impact on infection rates of years 12-14 returning.
No decisions have been taken on whether other year groups will return to class after the Easter holidays.
Will it be compulsory to send my child back to school?
Yes. It will be against the law for all but a small number of exceptions to not send your kids back to school when they reopen.
Fines can be imposed if parents don't send their child back, according to the BBC.
In September 2020, Mr Johnson said it would be "the law" for kids to return to class.
He also said teaching unions – who didn't want schools reopened due to safety fears – should "take their responsibilities seriously".
Mr Johnson added: "It’s the kids from the poorer families who aren’t going back, and so you are entrenching social injustice."
Kids who are exempt are those who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus – those who have compromised immune systems.
It is also strongly recommended that you ensure that your children's other vaccinations are up to date.
How can I find out when my child's school is reopening?
The best way to find out when your child's school is reopening is by direct contact with the school and regular checks on the school's website.
Your local council can also be a good source of information as it will likely know whether a school in its jurisdiction is set to reopen.
Local media such as newspapers and notices can also be of use.
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