A leading schools chief is optimistic about peninsula children returning to full classes in September, despite concerns expressed by an education union.

The government confirmed last night schools will fully reopen for the September term and it will be mandatory for all pupils to attend.

However, the Suffolk branch of the National Education Union (NEU) said it has serious concerns claiming full classes without effective social distancing will be "reckless" and "potentially dangerous".

Whole year group bubbles for secondary schools, including Holbrook Academy, could have up to 100 pupils.

Primary schools would have far smaller bubbles and Clare Flintoff, chief executive officer of ASSET Education, that runs both Shotley and Stutton community schools, is confident their system to protect pupils and staff, and good communications with parents, will ensure a healthy return in September.

Mrs Flintoff, said: "We are all currently processing the guidance that came out from the DfE yesterday. Clearly some facts have hit the headlines but there is a lot to consider.

"Our intention is to have our schools fully open to all pupils in September. Infection rates in our area are low and by September we hope that everyone is going to want to return to school as we know that education has a positive impact on long term health and well-being.

"Many of our families have been doing a tremendous job at home making use of the daily lessons that we have been planning and sharing online. There has been a lot of contact between teachers and families.

"There are many aspects of how we are working now that are positive and beneficial and we want to build on the learning during this lockdown period so that our schools serve their families and communities even more effectively in the future."

The Government also confirmed that pupils would be encouraged to keep their distance from each other and staff, but no formal one-metre social distancing measure was in place.

NEU spokesman Graham White said: "It appears that the government now feels that full reopening of schools with no effective social distancing, no need for face coverings, no need for testing or temperature checks plus no need for flexibility over groups is completely acceptable and safe for pupils, staff, parents and wider families.

"The NEU feels this is being reckless and potentially a dangerous act. The government has not published any scientific evidence to back up this decision.

"We have seen an easing of lockdown in a number of countries followed by an increase in Covid cases.

"We have seen an easing of lockdown in England but there are still social distancing restrictions and still some activities which are not deemed safe yet."

Mr White said the union was seeking clarity from the Department for Education on transport arrangements, isolation procedures, use of supply staff and bubble sizes.

The union has called for the scientific modelling to be published, greater

• Holbrook Academy has been approached for comment.