Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure that all children in year 6 have the opportunity to meet their current classmates before transitioning to secondary school.

From the week commencing 1 June 2020, primary schools have been welcoming back children in nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, alongside priority groups.

The three year groups within mainstream primary - including Year 6 - have been prioritised because they are key transition years. We recognise that Year 6 children are finishing Key Stage 2 and are preparing for the transition to secondary school and will benefit immensely from time with their friends and teachers to ensure they are ready.

We want to get all children and young people back into education as soon as the scientific advice allows because it is the best place for them to learn, and because we know how important it is for their mental wellbeing to have social interactions with their peers, carers and teachers. We are working towards bringing all children and young people back to school in September.