"Independent" scientists have warned that June 1 is too early for students to return to school safely amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A committee which calls itself Independent Sage - rivalling the Government's group of scientific advisers - claims the risk to children would be halved if ministers delayed the planned reopening by two weeks to mid-June.
It is hoped by then an effective test, trace and isolate programme will be in place, said the group chaired by the former chief scientific adviser Sir David King.
The scientists' plea came hours before Downing Street planned to reveal the scientific advice from its Sage (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) behind its school reopening plan amid a row with teaching unions and a rebellion