PARENTS shielding from Covid-19 say that they are “extremely scared” of the medical risks posed by their children returning to school.

Plans to reopen schools have been drawn up by each of the UK’s devolved nations, but have included strict hygiene policies and advice to limit student contact through staggered class times.

Sophie Jones-Cooper, 41, from Cheltenham, is classed as extremely vulnerable because she has Crohn’s disease, She said she may need to distance herself from her children when schools in England restart classes in September.

She has twins due to start reception and a seven-year-old son moving into Year 3 who have not seen any other children during the pandemic due to her need to shield.

“I want them to go to school for their sanity and mental health, but I’m also extremely scared,” she told the Press Association news agency.

“I’m probably going to have to distance myself at home more.”

Ms Jones-Cooper heard from the school via email that classes will not be socially distanced, but that class times will be staggered.

Lucy (not her real name) from Lanarkshire has been shielding with her 14-year-old son, who has asthma and adrenal insufficiency which has often caused him to panic when people get too close.

She said she was also concerned about the journey to and from school as pupils in Scotland return this week.

“I am unsure how it will be possible,” she said.

“They have stated that students will need to be socially distanced at the bus stop, but this will be impossible with teenagers.”

Public health advice in England, Scotland and the north of Ireland says that people who are clinically extremely vulnerable no longer need to shield as rates of coronavirus transmission have fallen.

In Wales, similar legislation comes into effect on Sunday.