“The staggered return of New South Wales students to the classroom will ease pressure on students and their families and is an important step forward,’’ Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said.

“The carefully managed return to face-to-face learning from October will provide a light at the end of the tunnel for so many students who have struggled with online learning and are missing out on the social benefits of the school environment.

“It will also be an enormous relief to the families juggling schooling at home and work commitments.

“Once again, the NSW government is balancing the needs of its citizens during the pandemic and putting down signposts for the recovery.

“Today’s return to school plan will ensure continuity of education while protecting the safety of students, staff and the community, and we support priority mandatory vaccination for all NSW school staff.’’