Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged teachers not to force parents into a decision between home schooling their children and "putting food on the table" as the country deals with the threat of coronavirus.

Key points: Mr Morrison says he does not want children "giving up a whole year of their learning"

Mr Morrison says he does not want children "giving up a whole year of their learning" Treasury figures forecast Australia's jobless rate will double to 10 per cent

Treasury figures forecast Australia's jobless rate will double to 10 per cent Australians are "very grateful" for the work of teachers, Mr Morrison said

Mr Morrison made a direct appeal to teachers to reopen schools after the Easter break, saying "the education of our children hangs in the balance".

"We will lose many things in the course of fighting this virus," he said in a social media video released on Wednesday.

"One thing that I know teachers are united on, with their parents, is we do not want one of those things to be the loss of a child's education, giving up a whole year of their learning."

Education departments across Australia have announced a shift to online learning in term two as schools seek to maximise physical distancing.

Governments balance jobs with health

But with the International Monetary Fund warning the COVID-19 pandemic could cause the steepest economic downturn since the Great Depression, governments are trying to limit damage to markets amid harsh public health measures.

New Treasury figures released this week forecast Australia's jobless rate will double in the June quarter from 5.1 per cent to 10 per cent.

The Government's $130 billion JobKeeper wage subsidy program would head off a peak of 15 per cent, Treasury's estimates show.

"We cannot allow a situation where parents are forced to choose between putting food on the table through their employment, to support their kids and their kids' education," Mr Morrison said.

"The education of our children hangs in the balance."

Vulnerable students and children of essential workers will be able to return to classrooms in term two. ( ABC Local: Blythe Moore )

Mr Morrison repeated health advice that the risk of COVID-19 spreading among school-aged children was very low.

He said, while returning to a classroom may not be possible for all teachers, it was important students had a safe place to learn.

"Our nation is very grateful for the work that you're doing as our teachers, and we need you more than ever," he said.

'Mixed messages from government'

With responsibility for schools falling to the states, the response to the pandemic has varied across the country.

Opposition education spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek said the different approaches were fuelling confusion among parents and teachers.

"This is already a stressful time for parents," she said.

"The last thing they need is mixed messages from government.

"Everyone wants kids back at school as soon as it’s safe but the Prime Minister is saying one thing, while some state governments are saying another.

"Parents just want clear information. So do teachers. This mess must be cleaned up immediately."

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews rejected the notion that there were conflicting messages, saying there was "no difference" between the approaches of the state and federal governments.

He said the message across the country was: "Stay at home, learn from home if you can. If, however, your circumstances mean that you can't, school will be open for you."

Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan said there had been "a very consistent message".

"There are obviously different approaches within that in different jurisdictions, and states and territories ultimately have the final decision with what happens with their schools," he said.

"But the clear message is, for all those parents who are working, and they can't look after their children safely at home, schools are open and your students can attend school. For all those vulnerable children, school's open and you can attend school."

He told parents who had to send their children to school to "not feel guilty".

"You are playing a vital role in helping our economy, in helping our society get through this. You are playing a vital role in us dealing with this pandemic."