Support hubs are being put in place across Dumbarton and the Vale as primary and secondary schools close their doors for the foreseeable future.

Last week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced all schools across Scotland were to close and may not re-open before the summer holidays.

But, in Dumbarton and the Vale, a total of seven schools buildings will be used as support hubs from Wednesday, March 25.

This is to to support children whose parents or primary carers are employed in key worker roles, such as the NHS or emergency services.

The support hubs are also in place to ensure that children will not go hungry.

Packed lunches will be available to pick up daily for all eligible two year-olds and entitled three and four year-olds in receipt of 1,140 hours – including children at private partner provider nurseries, all P1-3 pupils, and all P4-S6 pupils entitled to free school meals.

West Dunbartonshire Council said they have been planning for this over a number of weeks.

A spokeswoman added: “We have been working closely with our head teachers to ensure learning can continue.

“We have developed a range of online resources for pupils, including Google Classroom, with devices provided where needed. Schools have also developed learning packs.

“Our planning has also taken into consideration the fact that so many in our community rely on our education facilities for more than learning, including our most vulnerable families.”

Learning and activity packs, toothbrushes and toothpaste, sanitary resources and emergency supplies of baby food and nappies will also be available for collection.

To minimise the risk of infection, limited family members should visit the hubs, and P1-7 children must be accompanied by an adult.

Nobody should visit if they, or immediate family members, are self-isolating or showing any signs of illness.

Senior students will be maintaining contact with staff via Google Classroom to complete their coursework, despite all SQA exams being cancelled for the first time since the system was put in place in 1888.

Martin Docherty-Hughes, Dumbarton and the Vale’s MP, said: “The unprecedented decision to close schools has not been taken lightly, but it’s the right thing to do, based on expert scientific advice to protect public health.

“These are challenging times for many families and I welcome the council’s efforts to set up support hubs to ensure vulnerable children have access to meals and other resources.

“It’s also vitally important that key workers have access to childcare so they can continue working to tackle the spread of this deadly virus. We all have a role in helping the NHS save lives by following the government’s advice to stay at home as much as possible and follow the public health guidance.”