London, Jun 1 (IANS): Primary schools in England started to reopen on Monday as the UK was easing the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is a very mixed local picture in how schools are reopening, and in some areas schools will remain shut, the BBC reported.

Children in Reception, Years 1 and 6 are able to return, with many having been out of school for 10 weeks.

It comes as lockdown measures were eased in England, including groups of six people being allowed to meet outside.

Schools have remained open throughout the coronavirus restrictions for the children of key workers and vulnerable children, but on Monday they are inviting back millions more primary pupils.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said children "will be with their teachers and friends again".

Business Secretary Alok Sharma told the BBC that it was "not a dash" to ease lockdown and that the government was taking "very cautious" "phased" steps.

He said it was "absolutely vital" children and staff were kept safe which was why the government had set out measures to stop the spread of the virus in schools.

It remains uncertain how many families will take up the offer to go back.

A study from the National Foundation for Educational Research, based on 1,200 school leaders, suggests that 46 per cent of parents will keep children at home; 50 per cent of parents in schools in disadvantaged areas will keep children at home; and 25 per cent of teachers are likely to be absent because of health issues for themselves or their families.

The reopening of schools will have many local variations - spread out over the next couple of weeks and with many schools making their own arrangements over which year groups return and for how many days a week.