The WA Government has just dropped its plan for schools students next term.

It is touting the plan as a cautious, careful and considered approach to protect all teachers, parents and children.

There's a bit to unpack, including millions in funding for expanded cleaning.

Here's a breakdown of the key details you need to know.

When can I send my kids to school?

You can start sending your child to school from Wednesday, April 29.

All WA public schools will be open to students, and those students who do attend will be taught.

That means all parents and carers can choose to send their children to school.

It is not mandatory to send children back to school in Term 2 in WA, but the option is availalble. ( AAP: Paul Miller )

You'll have to keep your distance, though, with all parents banned from entering the schools grounds.

While the new measures don't strictly apply to private schools, the WA Government wants independent and Catholic schools to follow suit — but says individual schools will be able to make their own decisions.

Transperth will be increasing its public transport services from May 4.

What if I still want my child to stay home?

The Premier, Mark McGowan, says that if parents don't feel comfortable sending their children to school, then they are currently under no obligation to do so.

That means you can continue to keep your child at home, provided they are continuing their education.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said it is not mandatory to send children to school in the first three weeks of Term 2. ( ABC News: Hugh Sando )

Parents will need to supervise their kids, but will be provided learning material, including hard-copy packages, as well as classes online where possible.

But Mr McGowan has strongly encouraged all Year 11 and 12 students to attend.

Parents or carers of students with complex medical needs are encouraged to seek medical advice to find out what's best for their particular situation.

Is this the plan for the rest of the year?

At this stage, the return to classrooms is being considered a 'soft' opening.

The current approach will be reviewed during the first three weeks of term, before any adjustments are made at the beginning of Week 4.

That week starts on May 18, and the Premier says the preceding three weeks will give the Government enough time to assess the arrangements.

The review will be based on the health advice at the time, as well as the infection trends across the community.

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





What is being done to protect my child?

The Premier, Mark McGowan, today announced an expanded cleaning regime for all schools across the state.

An extra $13 million is being allocated to the upgraded cleaning regime, which means a total of $43 million has been committed to the cause.

The extra cleaning will equate to an extra 1,100 cleaning staff state wide, to disinfect high-contact environments.

This includes things like benchtops, desks, doorknobs, taps, handrails, computers and sports equipment.

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

Play equipment will also be regularly cleaned, while there will be a bin in every classroom for used tissues.

The staffing boost means there will now be a cleaner on site continuously during the day at all schools, and is equivalent to one additional cleaner for primary schools and 2.5 FTE equivalent for secondary schools.

Mr McGowan said Term 2 would see a bigger focus on personal hygiene and social distancing.

Children will be encouraged to pay attention to personal hygiene at school. ( ABC News: Robert Koenig-Luck )

School swimming pools will be closed, and assemblies, camps and excursions will be cancelled.

What is the plan for Year 11 and 12 students?

As mentioned earlier, the Premier has strongly encouraged all senior school students to attend classed from the start of Term 2.

He said it was important their education was prioritised, so they could complete their course requirements while also practising social distancing.

Every Year 12 student will be able to get a WA Certificate of Education (WACE) and, if applicable, an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

Students who are working towards a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification will not be disadvantaged due to workplace cancellations.

The plan is for Year 12s to complete their exams on the current, normal timetable.

I'm a teacher, what's in it for me?

Monday, April 27 is the Anzac Day public holiday in WA, and no staff or students are required to attend.

On Tuesday, April 28, it will be a pupil free day, so teachers can finalise the learning arrangements for the rest of term.

The State School Teachers Union has raised questions about the ability of teachers to enforce social distancing at schools under the Government's plan.

It is calling for all teachers to be tested for the virus.

When it comes to personal protective equipment, Education Minister Sue Ellery said the health advice was clear, with no plans for teachers to wear facemasks, or for temperature checks to be carried out.

Parents and carers won't be allowed inside the school grounds, which the Government hopes will add an extra layer of protection for teachers.