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“Councils are keen to support their local schools to get children back as soon as possible. However, the safety of children, their families and staff will always be the top priority."

"A clear national message is now needed from government about the safe return of children to schools and the scientific advice must be accessible for all parents to support efforts by schools and councils."

“The coronavirus pandemic has shown that listening and working together can lead to policies that have positive outcomes for our most vulnerable communities, including children and young people from low-income families."

“Councils have a legal duty to ensure capacity but need powers to open new schools or direct academies to expand. This is the best way to ensure as many children as possible get the places they want.”

"Councils want all children to return to school to continue with their education and we also want to work with the Government, education leaders and schools to make sure the national effort is a success."

“Councils continue to face immense demand pressures in providing vital care and support for children and young people with SEND and are running increasing deficits on their high needs budgets which finance SEND services."

“Good quality early education can make an enormous difference to children’s lives, with around 40 per cent of the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers emerging by age 5."

"Equality of access to laptops and the internet for online learning have been an issue for pupils, while the closure of schools will have an impact on all children."

"We need to do all we can to support the retention of good school leaders and teachers, which requires every school to have the necessary funds to invest and prioritise high quality staff development."

“Unless this funding is made more long-term and less restrictive, more schools may have to close after having spent their budgets on supply teachers, which will only serve to exacerbate growing attainment gaps.”