No rush to get back to school in Lancashire or Blackpool

Schools say they need more time to try to meet the social distancing rules as they provide "bubbles" for the children going back, with many taking at least an extra week

Few schools have so far seen an increase in pupil numbers but, most in Lancashire were not expecting any great rush as it is still half term for many primaries.

The local education authority was among those not specifically advising schools to open up to other than the children of key workers and vulnerable youngsters.

Headteachers have been left to make their own decisions but were advised to proceed with caution by the county's director of public health.

Blackpool though was among one of the handful of council suggesting schools could extend it's intakes and said it will be offering support through its Outbreak Management Hub in collaboration with Public Health England to respond to cases that might occur within a school.

One of the largest academy groups in the town is staggering it's "opening up".

The Fylde Coast Academy Trust has not extended their intake this week and will not be admitting the youngest pupils when they do open up to a wider intake.

Community relations and estates manager John Topping said: "FCAT are working towards opening for Years one and six in our primary schools in the week beginning June 8.

"Currently we need more time to formulate plans for the provision of reception and nursery age children.

"For our secondary academies we are planning to open for groups in Year 10 in the week beginning June 15."