All schools in England are going back from 8 March, the prime minister has confirmed, with schools able to decide a phased return during that week.

Home testing for secondary pupils will be twice weekly - but with no testing so far planned for primary pupils.

Face masks will also be required in some secondary school classrooms.

Attendance will be compulsory when schools go back, with penalty fines able to be imposed.

We asked readers whether they thought all schools should return on this date.

"The experts have put this strategy together, so lets trust that they know what they are doing. If it is safe to do so, lets get the kids back learning," explained David Eyley.

Rachel Sharp said: "Yes absolutely, all children need to be back in the classroom as soon as possible. A staggered return would be unfair to those who had to wait and really, they're either in before Easter or they need to repeat the year! Staggered return would push the reopening of businesses further back as well which would be financially devastating for so many.W

Alison Murphy commented: "No, its just going round and round. He should stagger the children going back. Surely Boris realises that children are more likely to carry the virus, then pass on to mum and dad, siblings who then take it to work."

Gemma Franks added: "Yes, kids have suffered for to long now give them some normality back and let them see friends."

Lee Kelton said: "The data supports children going back.The virus is not going away and people will still catch it. However now we have a vaccination programme. So with some measures, get them back."

Keith Garner added: "I think they should hold back until the vaccination programme is complete then it may be safe to consider lifting restrictions even then got to be done slowly."

Tory Dodd commented: "I had thought a staggered start would have been more sensible. But, I’d really love for this to work, I can’t wait to see the back of this lockdown and not being able to see my family and friends properly."

Danielle Airns explained: "They have to go back at some point, and too see my little girls face light up when I told her was more than enough to know she needs to go back!"