The debate about the reopening of schools centres around whether or not it is safe to do so.

Those in favour, including the government, argue that “the science tells us” children are less likely to contract coronavirus and are not super carriers of it, so reopening schools won’t lead to a rise in infections – and more deaths.

Those against reopening a week on Monday include many teachers, parents and local authorities who all feel the virus is not under control and will flare up again if quarantine restrictions are lifted.

It is an understandable position, but teachers are being criticised for being lazy, and just not wanting to go back.

Teachers have been working every day since lockdown, setting work through a variety of electronic means, and contacting pupils and families to make sure they are safe and well. 

Those with students who were due to sit public exams face the mammoth task of working out what grade each pupil would realistically get in their subject.

Headteachers and senior managers have also been unsung heroes in all this as they face huge pressures to keep schools open for key workers’ children and, most importantly, keep everyone safe.

At this point, I should declare an interest. I am married to a teacher, I am a governor at two schools and have many friends and colleagues who are being pulled every which way.

But I am also a parent with children in primary and secondary schools. We have experienced the full extent of what has been referred to as “home schooling” and despite struggling to help with a variety of topics and questions, we have done our best to keep their education ticking over while, above all else, we have kept them safe.

But, I am not rushing to send them back to school. The reality is, neither of them is likely to set foot inside a school until September at the earliest, and that will no doubt involve a lot of social distancing, not only in classrooms, but also on the bus to and from school.

Of course I am worried about their education and know they would do better being in school with their friends, being taught by qualified teachers.

But their safety – and that of everyone else – has to come first. That is the first thing we as parents expect from a school and, as governors and teachers, it is our duty to ensure the welfare of pupils and staff at all times.

If you follow the argument that children are less likely – not immune – to develop or pass on coronavirus, what happens when schools reopen and there are new infections? Presumably the school will have to close again, everyone will have to self-isolate for two weeks. That is far more disruptive and damaging than delaying opening when it is safe to do so.

And what about staff with underlying conditions such as asthma, or who have undergone surgery and other procedures? When will they be able to return to work and feel safe?

One of the major headaches for headteachers is that when schools do reopen, classrooms meant for 25-30 children and corridors and communal areas designed to fit in as many young people as possible can only hold a fraction of those numbers.

Social distancing means class sizes will be reduced to about 10 children in a classroom and there will be scheduled toilet and meal breaks to keep them apart from other classes – their friends. 

Parents will not only be worried about children contracting Covid-19 in schools, there will be emotional difficulties caused by social distancing in what are normally close-quartered communities.

School leaders have been drawing up complex plans for social distancing and cleaning, which will change the way schools are run. One of the biggest issues is no one knows how long for. Will it be a temporary measure until a vaccine can be found, or should schools be considering costly major structural changes which will make social distancing permanent?

For those who can’t wait to send their children back on June 1, enjoy next week – it’s half-term!