Frome schools have been in contact with parents and carers to update them on how they will be re-opening - with several insisting that parents will not be penalised if they decide not to send their children into school.

Many under the Frome Learning Partnership will give detailed plans on how the June 1 re-opening will be handled early next week, but have also put letters out explaining how the new-look schooling might look.

Several headteachers have sent out notices saying that, whatever the decision on how to bring back pupils safely, parents and carers will not punished if they keep their children at home.

The head of Vallis First School Nick Firkins told them: " I know that for many of you this is a very worrying and anxious time and trying to make a decision as to whether to send your child back to school or not is very hard.

" I would like to reassure you that it is your decision as to whether you decide to return your child to school and we will respect your decision. There are currently no repercussions if you decide to keep your child at home. "

Christchurch C of E school has also put on its web site that "parents do not have to send children back to school and all absences will continue to be authorised until the end of July 2020."

It has given out details on how it the school will operate once pupils return. In order to follow the two metre social distancing rule there will be smaller groups of no more than 15 children in a class, spread around the school build in "learning bubbles" which will not be allowed to mix or mingle with other bubbles on the school premises.

The head of Oakfield has told parents: " We are delighted that we may be able to reopen for more pupils after June 1st. We are currently awaiting further, detailed guidance from the Department for Education and following this we will determine the best way forward for the children in Frome given the variety of schools. "

Critchill School says that they too will be creating "learning bubbles" - and because they have had lots of enquiries from parents wanting their children to return, they are aiming to have only mornings or afternoon sessions.

The school will be closed to all pupils on Friday afternoons in order for staff to deep clean learning spaces and they are strict rules about what children will be allowed to bring into school.

Headteacher Sophie Addison added that pupils must NOT wear school uniform and: " Drop off and collection times will be staggered. We ask parents who are bringing their child themselves to adhere closely to these times and as per government guidance, to walk to school if at all possible. There will be designated waiting bays outside school. "