Children may not all be back at school until later this year or even further than that, the Education Minister has admitted.

Dr Alex Allinson told a press briefing that his department wanted to draw up a ’road map’ for a phased return to education for island students.

But he insisted there are no dates set for schools reopening.

Dr Allinson said: ’In terms of opening schools there is no agenda. We know where we need to get but how we can get there is going to be very gradual and in a stepwise approach.

’What we are trying to do is get a road map of gradual stages, working with the teachers and unions over what is possible.

’We may not be able to have all our children back at school until later on this year or even further than that. This is why some of the on-line resources are so important.’

He said even when schools have ’opened their doors wide’, there will be some students and teachers who won’t be able to return because of pre-existing health condition.

’After this pandemic things will never be the same. We will be doing things in different way,’ he said, explaining that schools may have to be redesigned to allow teaching in a safe environment.

’As we move forward over the coming weeks and months we have to reassure parents and their children that coming to school is as safe as possible.’

Schools were closed six weeks ago in response to the coronavirus threat.

Since then, some primary schools hubs and all secondary schools have remained open to vulnerable children and those of key workers.

Dr Allinson said: ’Teachers have been working tirelessly to ensure that pupils’ education and long-term aspirations are not another victim of Covid-19. Existing on-line resources have been strengthened and expanded with remote learning and support provided by teachers for those children stuck at home.

’The department has worked closely with all teachers and their representatives to get us this far and are planning together for how we can allow more children to come back to school but only if and when it is safe to do so.’

Dr Allinson announced that all schools will be closed for the full TT fortnight to give teachers, support and administration staff a ’decent break after a period of intense and demanding work’.

He said although some teachers had been working from home, they had been working ’incredibly hard’ on predicted grades and coursework to ensure students get the grades they deserve.

Over Easter, teachers volunteered to keep the schools open for vulnerable children and those of key workers, and they did the same for the two May bank holidays.

Dr Allinson described as ’an unfortunate misconception and part of the Manx rumour mill’ claims made by joint unions that teaching would soon be provided to children of non-key workers at University College.

He said: ’There are no plans to expand the number of children going into UCM next week.

’The principal has been working very closely with the teachers to do risk assessments so when the time is right to bring some of those students back, it is done in safe way.’