Mayor Joe Anderson is “minded to resist” plans to reopen primary schools to some year groups due to safety concerns from parents and teaching unions.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last Sunday that the government was looking at a phased return from 1 June, with reception, year one and year six pupils going back first, with others to return to desks before July.
However, teaching unions are united in their opposition to the proposal due to concerns over enforcing social distancing among young children.
Mayor Anderson said: “I have listened to the concerns of teaching trade unions and parents and believe the health of our children and staff must come first.
“At the moment I am minded to resist the opening of Liverpool schools in June because of the risks involved.
“We would need to be confident about the rationale for the move, and the measures that can realistically be put in place to enable young children to socially distance.
“We have a responsibility for safeguarding and as such need to be satisfied that our children and staff are safe.”
