Two mothers, two nursery-aged children and two different opinions on sending their kids back to class.

The Prime Minister announced on May 10 that by June 1 at the earliest primary schools in England may be able to welcome back children in "key transition years" – nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6.

The Government's plans to start sending children back to school next month have come under attack from teaching unions and some local authorities, with critics arguing it is too soon to lift the lockdown restrictions

A poll by the Gazette which asked parents if they would be letting their kids go back to school on June 1 saw a little more than 70 per cent vote "no".

Jennie Mack is one such parent who will not be sending her two-year-old to nursery.

She told the Gazette that she was disappointed when the June 1 date was announced.

"The early years children are probably the hardest to manage social distancing and hygiene levels," she said.

"I struggle to get my toddler to listen and adhere to advice at the best of times.

"I have no idea what my rights are but I don’t want to risk my family’s health for financial reasons. Some things are more important than money."

Basingstoke Gazette:

Esme Buck

The West Heath mum is also pregnant with baby number two due in eight weeks.

On the other end of the spectrum is 41-year-old Tanya Buck.

The Brighton Hill mother-of-three runs her own domestic cleaning company and as such, hasn't been able to work these past few months.

"I think it’s time for mine to go back," she said.

"I’ve had to close my business and can’t reopen until I have childcare.

"Mental health is also a factor. I believe we can’t stay locked up until we get a vaccine, mentally, physically or financially. We need to protect the most vulnerable in society but the rest of us need to get back out again."