Nick Brook, deputy general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “The start of a new school term is always a cause for optimism and excitement; pupils will no doubt be looking forward to getting back and seeing their friends and meeting new teachers. The last 18 months have shown us all what a crucial role schools play, not just in terms of learning but also that wider personal and social development.

“It would, however, be naïve to assume that things will be completely back to normal in September. Scientists are already predicting that Covid cases are likely to increase further when schools re-open and sadly we know that further disruption is inevitable.

“The key is that government does everything in its power to keep that disruption to a bare minimum. That means that at the very least they must ensure that we have a properly functioning test and trace system that parents can have confidence in; ensure a quick and effective public health response should additional mitigations be required in some schools, and provide financial support to ensure that all classrooms are properly ventilated.

“The government needs to do much more than issue warm words and hope for the best – it must do everything in its power to ensure that schools are kept as safe as possible so that as few children as possible miss out on education this year.”