RENFREWSHIRE Council is making arrangements to get vulnerable children into school at some point each week during the coronavirus outbreak.

Following the indefinite closure of all schools in the area, many people have expressed concerns about children who are facing financial or family difficulties and those who suffer from health or behavioural issues.

But council chiefs have said they are paying particular attention to supporting vulnerable kids and are making efforts to get them into school for some days each week.

Children who fall into this category would be asked to attend one of the schools which have remained open and are now acting as “childcare hubs”.

These are Trinity High and St James’ Primary in Renfrew, West Primary and St Mary’s Primary in Paisley,  the West Johnstone campus and Riverbrae School in Linwood.

Bosses have said headteachers have been keeping in contact with families who have children that require extra support and these families will be informed if their child can be accomodated at one of the open schools.

A council spokesman said: “There are a number of reasons why children could be classed as vulnerable, depending on their personal and family circumstances.

“Some of these children are already attending one of our childcare hubs, while Riverbrae School is open for those with more complex support needs.

“Headteachers are keeping in direct contact with the families of other children who need extra support. However, we are now looking to see how we can expand that level of support to some of the children who have not been at the childcare hubs.

“Caring for the most vulnerable is always a priority for us – and we thank our staff for their flexibility in maintain that commitment during what has been a very challenging couple of weeks.”

The childcare hubs are also open to look after children of key workers – such as NHS and social care staff – and parents have now have been informed about whether their child has a place or not.

Nursery pupils who have a place will be able to attend Hugh Smiley Nursery in Paisley, the West Johnstone campus or Moorpark Nursery in Renfrew.

Parents have been told which school their child should be attending.

Schools will be open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday at the moment and all children will receive a free school meal. Parents will need to have their own transport arrangements as school transport is not currently being offered.

Council chiefs have said the children’s social work department is continuing to undertake priority visits to youngsters on the child protection register and those identified as high need. The service is maintaining regular contact with foster carers and there are arrangements in place to support care leavers.

All out-of-school care run by the council or in a council building is now closed.