The guidance suggests this is likely to supplement their studies from home, and will not extend to a full transition back to the classroom.
Vulnerable children and those of critical workers will also be encouraged to attend school, with the document stating that their return will have a “large societal benefit”.
However, the document makes clear that a full reopening of schools is not on the table. It points to modelling by the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (Sage), which shows that doing so could create a second wave of the virus.
It continues: “The rate of infection remains too high to allow the reopening of schools for all pupils yet.”
The document does not mention nurseries, but does state that nannies and childminders will be able to go back to work, providing they can meet health and safety requirements.
It also fails to provide any clarity on universities, which are expected to continue operating remotely for the rest of the academic year.
Transport
Employees who cannot work from home have been asked to avoid using public transport where possible and instead travel by driving, walking or cycling.
However, the document acknowledges that as the economy gradually reboots, the increase in public transport use is inevitable.
Ministers are now working with public transport operators, such as Transport for London, to “bring services back towards pre-Covid 19 levels as quickly as possible”.
But in order to prevent overcrowding on tubes and train carriages, new guidance will be operated later this week making clear the steps that must be taken by operates to ensure these modes of transport comply with social distancing guidelines.
The Government is also urging companies to consider staggering working hours to reduce the number of people travelling at peak times and to expand bicycle storage facilities.
It has already announced that £2bn will be invested to help widen pavements and create more cycle lines.
Pubs and restaurants
Pubs and restaurants and other so-called “higher-risk businesses and public places” must remain closed until the beginning of July at the earliest, official guidance says.
The guidance says: “all workers who cannot work from home should travel to work if their workplace is open … the only exceptions to this are those workplaces such as hospitality and nonessential retail which during this first step the Government is requiring to remain closed”.
Instead food service providers, pubs and hotels will be able to open from July 4 along with hairdressers, churches and leisure facilities like cinemas.
The advice makes clear that this last group must “meet the Covid-19 Secure guidelines” and if they cannot do this then they might not be allowed to reopen.