The WA Government says schools will be open for all children to attend and be taught from the start of term two on April 29.

Key points: Mr McGowan says the risk of COVID-19 transmission at school is low

Mr McGowan says the risk of COVID-19 transmission at school is low However attendance will not be compulsory

However attendance will not be compulsory The term two plan will be reviewed at the end of week three

"All parents and carers can choose to send their children," WA Premier Mark McGowan said.

"If parents don't feel comfortable sending their kids to school, for whatever reason, they will not be obligated to do so.

"However, year 11 and 12 students are very strongly encouraged to attend."

Mr McGowan said the plan for term two would be reviewed at the end of week three.

WA COVID-19 snapshot Confirmed cases so far: 662

Confirmed cases so far: 662 Recovered: 650

Recovered: 650 Deaths: 9

Deaths: 9 Total tests: 395,402 Latest information from the WA Health Department





He said the model had been finalised at Friday morning's state disaster council meeting.

"The issue of schools has been difficult to grapple with," Mr McGowan said.

"Although the health advice is clear that the risk of transmission in schools is very low, I also understand the concerns held by many people.

"No matter if you are a teacher or you work at a school, or you are a parent and are worried about your children, your concerns are all understandable.

"Yes, school will be different for the start of term two and it will be difficult for some, but I am sure we will adjust."

Health and safety will not be compromised: McGowan

No students or staff will be required to attend school on the Anzac Day public holiday on Monday April 27.

Staff are due to start work the next day to finalise learning arrangements for students, whose first day will be Wednesday, April 29.

Mr McGowan said the State Government's approach would continue to be "cautious, careful and considered".

"We would never do anything to compromise health and safety of students or staff," Mr McGowan said.

He said it was effectively a "soft school opening" and that face-to-face learning would be the best way for students to learn.

He said for those children who remained at home, distance education packages and resources, including online resources where possible, would be provided so all students could continue to learn.

Mr McGowan said parents and carers of children with complex medical needs should seek medical advice about school attendance.

The arrangements will be in place until the end of the third week of term. The arrangements will then be reviewed and adjusted as necessary at the start of week four.

"This provides us with enough time to assess and review the arrangements properly," Mr McGowan said.

"A review will be based on health advice and infection trends across the community. Schools will maintain good communication with parents, providing up-to-date information about arrangements.

"Parents who choose to send their kids to school can do so knowing that we are doing everything possible to ensure a safe learning environment."

Mr McGowan said special attention would be given to upper school education.

"We know how important year 11 and 12 is in their education and it is important we prioritise their return to class so that they have the best chance to complete their course requirements while practising good social distancing," he said.

Relief for Year 12 students

The move has been welcomed by year 12 student James Silsbury, who is at Churchlands Senior High School.

James said he was relieved by the decision, and it was the first time he was glad to be going back to school after the holidays.

James Silsbury says he is relieved by the Government's decision. ( ABC News: Cy Millington )

The 17-year-old said his online learning experience at home had been "quite difficult" as information was sometimes lost in translation, and the lack of interaction was hard.

"All my teachers have been really helpful, but it's not like being in the classroom," he said.

"It's good seeing your friends at school and just talking about school as well."

Parents to be kept off school grounds

The WA Government will invest $43 million ramping up its cleaning regime of public schools, allowing cleaners to work throughout the day.

Stricter personal hygiene and social distancing measures will also be implemented.

Parents and visitors will not be allowed on school grounds, instead they will need to drop children off at the gate.

Parents will not be allowed to walk their children into school during term two. ( ABC News: Tim Swanston )

School swimming pools will remain shut while excursions and interschool activities will be banned for now.

Mr McGowan said schools could determine their own alternative arrangements for vulnerable staff if necessary.

"We support schools making decisions around staggered starts, breaks and meal time to help reduce contact in common areas and staff rooms," Mr McGowan said.

No plans for PPE in schools

WA's Education Minister Sue Ellery acknowledged it had been a stressful time for school staff.

"I want to assure them that we have heard and listened to their concerns," Ms Ellery said.

"They want to feel safe in their workplace … that's why the measures we have put in place today are cautious."

Mr Ellery said the cleaning regime would include disinfecting all high-contact items every couple of hours and regular cleaning of play equipment.

"Schools will be required to confirm that the revised cleaning arrangements have been complied with on a weekly basis," she said.

Ms Ellery said there were no plans to introduce personal protective equipment, such as face masks, into schools as there was no health advice to support such a move.

School play equipment will need to be cleaned regularly. ( ABC News: Evelyn Manfield )

She reassured parents who chose to keep their children home that they would be supported and respected in their decision.

"Parents are not expected to be teachers," Ms Ellery said.

"Parents and students will be provided with information about the content and online platforms which may be used for learning and communicating with the teacher."

Independent and Catholic schools to make own call

The Government wants independent and Catholic schools to follow suit, but said individual schools would be able to make their own decisions.

The Association of Independent Schools of WA executive director Valerie Gould said collaboration had been good across the education sector.

"Each individual school will make their determination what they'll do but for many, many schools I know they'll be very pleased to see their children back," Ms Gould said.

Catholic Education WA (CEWA) has also welcomed the Government's announcement.

"We do look forward to getting our students back," CEWA's executive director Debra Sayce said.

"We'll adapt and we'll be very agile in responding to changing circumstances."

'Planning will be extremely difficult': Union

But the State School Teachers' Union of WA (SSTUWA) wants more clarity around the "soft opening".

"It remains unclear how schools can implement social distancing measures under the Government's proposed model, and whether additional resourcing will be made available to support face-to-face and online learning," SSTUWA president Pat Byrne said.

Ms Byrne was concerned teachers would have to deliver school in the classroom as well as to those students who remained at home.

"We will be seeking clarity on what support will be given to educators to manage these teaching pressures," Ms Byrne said.

"Schools will have no idea how many students will attend, how many will need online materials or how many will need hard copy packages.

"Planning will be extremely difficult."