Students will get plenty of benefits from being back in the classroom next week

Years 1 to 10 students in Auckland and Waikato can go back to school from Wednesday.

Students Year 4 and up will have to wear masks ... while schools will organise for pupils in Year 1 to 8 to return part-time.

Paediatrician at Starship Children's Hospital Jin Russell says school closures are harmful for children.

She says if children are at home, educational inequities can increase ... and they need to be outside their home environment for their wellbeing in general.