Councils working on plans to provide childcare at schools

All teachers in Perth and Kinross were told yesterday to return to class on Monday morning to teach “vulnerable” pupils who do not have childcare.

Teachers who are self-isolating or signed off can stay at home.

Perth and Kinross Council said it was an interim measure while they finalise alternative plans.

A spokesman said: “S4 to S6 pupils completing their SQA coursework can also attend, as can the children of key workers who have no other childcare options.”

Packed lunches will be served and will also be available to children entitled to free school meals, but who should not be at school.

These arrangements are expected to remain in place until April 3.

Angus pupils who will stay in school during the coronavirus crisis may eventually be taught at a different location.

Vulnerable children, those who require to complete SQA coursework, and those with a parent who is a key worker and has exhausted all other childcare options, will return to school on Monday.

Angus Council education convener Derek Wann said: “Once demand has been established, we will reduce the number of schools we are opening.

“This will mean that childcare and learning is available to those who require to attend school, but it may be at a different location.”

Key workers in Fife have been told to make their own arrangements for childcare next week as arrangements to open schools are finalised.

Fife Council said it was working to create spaces for children to be looked after while their parents carried out critical work.

The local authority is planning to open more than 20 hubs where youngsters can go for childcare and some learning, rather than having staff in every school.

Final arrangements will be announced by Friday at the latest.

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S4 to S6 pupils completing their SQA coursework can also attend, as can the children of key workers. PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL SPOKESMAN