SCHOOLS reopening fully on Monday must be given flexibility to take their own measures to strengthen the safety of students and staff, education unions told ministers today.

A joint statement by nine unions representing teaching and support staff asserted that safety was “paramount” and that the government had a responsibility to “put in place a robust framework of protection and support.”

It argued that many scientists, including the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), had recommended a phased reopening and had warned that the measures now in place may not be enough to deal with the increased risk of airborne transmission as schools reopen fully.