Only eight per cent of schools in the north west have reopened to more pupils this week. In line with the government's plan for a phased return, nurseries and schools were told they could welcome back children in Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 from June 1.
It was always going to be a mixed picture for the region, with some primaries still on half term and others reluctant to follow suit saying the date was too soon.
But a survey carried by the National Education Union (NEU) shows that fewer schools have reopened to wider groups here than in anywhere else in England.
While as many as half opened to all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 in the east of England, only 12% did so in the north east, with the north west's 8% being the