All children in England will have to go back to school in September, the government said, after weeks of wrangling as coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

According to AFP, the government initially intended pupils to return before the summer break later this month but was forced to revise its plans after concerns from teaching unions and parents.

Criticism about continued school closures, which began in March, has mounted, particularly because of lack of access to online learning by more disadvantaged families.

“It is critical to ensure that no child loses more time in education,” Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told parliament.