The scientific evidence underpinning the government’s decision to reopen schools to more pupils from 1 June will be published tomorrow, the prime minister’s office has confirmed.

A spokesperson for Number 10 told Tes that the evidence would be made public on Friday.

Coronavirus: The evidence for reopening schools

The prime minister’s official spokesman said: “I would expect the Sage [Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies] evidence on the safety of going back to school to be published later this week.

“It remains our intention to get as many children as possible back into school as soon as we are able, in a way that’s safe.”

PM: Track and trace will be ready when schools open

Coronavirus: The science behind schools reopening

School openings: Ministers ‘listening to teachers’

The government has said that 1 June is the earliest possible date for the partial reopening of schools in England, but the move has faced resistance from unions and some councils.

Asked when a decision would be made on the date, the spokesman told reporters: “We are continuing to hold discussions with them and to listen to their concerns.

“I’m not in a position to say to you, definitively, when we will be able to say that.”

But “our intention remains to get as many children into school as soon as possible but in a safe way”.