Hundreds of primary school children in Bucks are set to return to school next week – despite calls to keep them closed after a ‘major incident’ was declared in the county last week.

The news was met with mixed reaction by BFP readers, with many insisting it is the right decision and others saying they should stay closed.

One reader, Maxina Chapman, wrote on social media: “Yes, they should shut. If I cannot mix with my family , why should I let my children mix with other people’s family. Ridiculous,” while Jeff Manser said: “Closed, but offer virtual classes and not just homework.

ALSO READ: Primary school pupils to return as normal on Monday - despite calls to keep schools closed in Tier 4 areas

“My son had Covid and he showed NO symptoms, not even any signs of being ill. He caught it from school. This is the worry and why kids are super-spreaders of any virus.”

Emily Phelps said the government should wait two more weeks before reopening schools to account for numbers from Christmas and New Year’s, adding: “If Bucks has declared a major incident for our NHS and this new strain is more contagious, we haven’t even reached 10 days post-Christmas, let alone New Years, and all the people who broke the rules.

“Should wait at least two more weeks and see where the numbers are. It’s crazy.

“What’s the point of continuing their education if rapidly you’re killing off the population in the process?”

Sana Ahsan said: “Schools should be closed. If we are in the highest tier, how is it safe for children to return to school? There are hundreds of people dying every day”, while Karen Boakes, who works at a school, wrote: “I work in school…couldn’t see my family over Christmas but I can go back next week and mix with 30+ kids, cross bubbles and not have a clue who these kids have been mixing with. Really?”

But others say they should open for children’s mental health and to support working parents, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said parents should send primary-age children back to schools that are open this week.

Helen Slater wrote: “Open – children's mental health is important too and parents need to work. If everyone followed the rules then maybe just maybe things would be so bad...and things will improve,” while Claire Rushby said: “Open schools unless they want to lockdown everywhere as me and my husband still have to go to work (manager roles) and we are not classed as key workers so won’t be able to send the kids to school if they close, which means we have no childcare.

“They are making it impossible for the working parents.”

Zara Pescod suggested keeping schools open for vulnerable children and those whose parents are key workers, saying: “[Have] remote learning (where possible) for the remaining students and review in 2 weeks. Repeat until R number is reduced and our wonderful NHS have a chance to catch their breath.”

And Kelly Haverley wrote: “If you want schools shut then supermarkets shouldn’t be allowing kids in either, no family outings to the deli counter,” while David Hicks said: “Keep them open, children’s health best served by learning and not getting behind.

“Life chances will be ruined if they miss too much school. I feel for those with exams this year.”

The Prime Minister said on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show this morning he has "no doubt" that classrooms are safe and that the risk to young people was "very, very small".