Hundreds, if not thousands, of young pupils across the city and the rest of county could all be returning to school next week as the government prepares to start easing some of the lockdown measures.

Of course, schools have never really closed. Teachers have remained in post throughout lockdown, despite some suggesting that it has all been a huge lark for them, to supervise vulnerable children and the children of key workers and done so with incredible determination.

As with anything put forward during the pandemic, and with any proposed changes in tact, safety must always be paramount. That especially means the safety of children, teachers, staff and families should be paramount.

Of course some headteachers are concerned the advice is constantly changes which means the plans are constantly changing.

If schools can demonstrate that they can allow some children to return safely they should be allowed to do so.

Hopefully more pupils can return to school but only when the school is properly prepared.