Education hub plan for key workers’ kids
Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) says it hopes to have educational hubs for children of key workers operating by Thursday, March 26.
Parents and school staff were left confused over the weekend after PKC changed its schooling arrangements at the last minute.
Up until Sunday (March 22), PKC had vowed to offer educational provision for the children of key workers, vulnerable children and senior pupils following the closure of schools because of COVID-19.
But an update on Sunday from the Scottish Government led the council to amend its plans not once but twice.
On Saturday Perth and Kinross Council announced it would continue to operate school transport and all schools would be open for the children of key workers, vulnerable children and S4-S6.
But the next day, following advice from the chief medical officer and a statement from the first minister Nicola Sturgeon, PKC announced it would no longer be providing school meals or education for S4-S6 pupils.
Shortly afterwards, just after 7pm, PKC announced all schools would close and it would be working to set up hubs for the children of category one key workers by Thursday.
PKC’s Facebook post was flooded with comments about the changes. One parent blasted: “My husband and I are both category one key workers. This is for people like us with no other options.
“Announcing late at night that this is no longer available is poor at best, and will affect those responding to the COVID pandemic. Other regions are providing a service for key workers with no other childcare options tomorrow, why not P&K?”
Another described the situation as “shocking.”
A spokesperson for PKC responded directly on social media, saying: “We learnt today that provision could only be for children of the most critical key workers, otherwise numbers in schools would be too high.
“Looking at the key workers amongst our staff and the parents of our pupils, it was not possible to safely continue with our plan of opening all schools. Please call the number in the morning and we will do our best to find cover for you until Thursday.
PKC’s executive director of education and children’s services Sheena Devlin told the PA: “This is a fast-moving and ever-changing set of circumstances.
“Perth and Kinross Council, similar to a number of other local authorities, took the difficult decision to close schools to all pupils and staff to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our young people and staff, and in accordance with the statement made by first minister Nicola Sturgeon on Sunday.
“We understand these changes have caused disruption for parents, pupils and staff. We appreciate the patience and support they have demonstrated over the past week.
“We are currently working very hard to set up children’s activity centres, also known as hubs, for key workers.
“We hope to have these up and running by Thursday, March 26, if not sooner, and information about these activity centres will follow in due course for the targeted groups.
“Systems are in place to support vulnerable children and young people, including online services and support from children and families’ teams, who will be in touch with identified individuals.”