Education boss: I’m so proud of our staff providing childcare
Praise for school hubs looking after children of key workers
Renfrewshire Council’s education boss has heaped praise on school staff who have provided care to more than 200 children since the coronavirus pandemic struck.
The rapid spread of Covid-19 forced the indefinite closure of schools and nurseries across Scotland, but a few have remained open to provide childcare to families of key workers - such as those working in the NHS or emergency services.
So far more than 300 families have benefited from the service, with approximately 220 children per day being accommodated across early years, primary and secondary.
Councillor Jim Paterson, council convenor for education and children’s services, said he was proud of all the effort staff have put in at an unprecedented time.
He said: “I’d like to thank all our staff, teachers, early years professionals, school support staff, cleaners, janitors and many more of our colleagues who have been running the childcare hubs.
“Their commitment and hard work have ensured we can provide this vital service to support those most in need and enabling key workers in Renfrewshire to carry out their lifeline work.
“Parents have told us how much they value having the support from our childcare hubs, with many personally thanking our staff for the warm, friendly environment they have created. It ’ s encouraging to hear how these childcare hubs are supporting parents and children during this difficult time.”
The schools which have remained open to act as childcare hubs include Trinity High and St James’ Primary in Renfrew, St Mary’s and West primaries in Paisley and the West Johnstone campus.
Hugh Smiley Nursery in Paisley, Moorpark Nursery in Renfrew and Riverbrae School in Linwood are also still open.
All these hubs will remain open throughout the Easter holidays, which began this week. This includes Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Documents presented to the council’s emergencies board last week confirmed staff are regularly contacting families with vulnerable children to check in with them. Children’s services will also visit the homes of these families if any specific concerns are raised.
Children’s social work is continuing to make priority visits to those on the child protection register and those identified as high need, and there are arrangements in place to support care leavers and maintain regular contact with foster and kinship carers.
Their commitment and hard work has ensured we can provide this vital service to key workers