Dorset schools are set to start welcoming back more pupils after the half term, with some closing entirely to key workers' children next week to begin preparations.

It follows the Prime Minister's announcement that pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 could possibly be asked to return on June 1.

This was referred to by Boris Johnson as the earliest possible start date for these age groups, and will depend on government advice and arrangements at individual schools.

Secondary and upper schools in Dorset are also working on plans to hold some face to face sessions for Year 10 and 12 before the summer holiday.

Schools currently remain open for the children of key workers, those with Education, Health and Care Plans and vulnerable children, which includes children who have a social worker.

However, some will not be open at all over the half term week next week, even for children of key workers.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Salisbury Trust, which manages Beechcroft, St Andrew's and St John's primary schools in Weymouth, said: "Schools will be closed, as they normally would be during the week, in order for staff to have a very necessary break and to enable preparations to be made for the following week.

"We recognise that there are a very few critical care workers for whom this may present a problem. Headteachers are discussing with critical care workers as necessary and provision will be made in one of our hub schools should this be required. So far, our Weymouth Hub does not have any such demand."

This is not the case for all schools across Dorset.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “There are different arrangements in place across Dorset, depending on local need and school circumstances. Not every school will be open as some schools will need to be closed to make preparations for welcoming back more pupils after half term. We are advising parents and carers to contact their school to discuss arrangements.”

Ambitions and Aspirations Academy Trusts have confirmed that they will be open for the children of key workers over the May half term.

Dorset schools are following guidance from the Department for Education and Dorset Council and plans are being made to reduce the risk of infection in schools as much as possible as children return.

Arrangements will vary from school to school and classes will potentially be very different, as measures will need to be put in place to help keep children and staff as safe as possible.

Special Schools are working with families individually to agree when it is safe for each pupil to return to school and young people who are shielding because they are considered clinically vulnerable should continue to shield and should not return to school.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “I would like to thank our schools and all their staff for their work during the Coronavirus pandemic. Our schools have been open throughout for the children of key workers and vulnerable children and I know they are now working hard on plans to welcome more pupils back into the classroom.”

Dorset schools currently remain open for the children of key workers, those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and vulnerable children, which includes children who have a social worker.

Schools will be in touch with parents and carers to discuss arrangements to welcome back more pupils. Schools will update parents and carers again, as soon as plans are finalised and the date from which schools can admit more pupils is confirmed. Each school will keep parents and carers informed.