Some parents and teachers will have concerns but it’s right that schools are back full-time

It has been many months since any pupil here was last educated in the classroom and while the vast majority of parents will be relieved just to see their children return to proper education, there will be anxiety for many.

Their concerns are understandable, particularly the parents of children with existing health conditions, or indeed those parents with underlying conditions themselves.

Some parents might hold their children back from an immediate return so that they can see how the situation evolves, especially with Northern Ireland having seen a steep rise in coronavirus cases in recent weeks.

However, the intervention of the UK’s chief medical officers should offer much reassurance. There are different views about the risk to children from Covid-19, but the chief medical officers saying in their joint statement that “very few, if any” children and teenagers would come to long-term harm from the virus solely by attending school feels very significant.

Conversely, there are undeniable consequences for children from not attending school. Children have been socially isolated from their friends for too long, for many young people this sustained period at home has been a strain on their mental health.

Just as importantly, home-schooling is no substitute for being educated in the classroom by professionally trained teachers. Many parents started off with the best of intentions back in late March, but it was a nigh on impossible task for those juggling jobs and home-schooling.

Finally, we should empathise with those teachers with underlying health conditions who are nervous about returning to the classroom. Good infection control and social distancing will be key to easing their concerns.