VULNERABLE and at-risk children and young people across Scotland must be better supported to access emergency school provision, according to Scotland’s Children and Young People’s Commissioner.

Bruce Adamson’s call was backed by charity Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAAD), who claimed that children and young people who had parents with addiction issues were struggling. Providing essential respite through a school place could help prevent children being taken into care, it argued.

READ MORE: Is a sore throat a symptom of coronavirus? Here's some expert advice, plus the signs to look out for

In March, all Scottish schools closed two weeks before the Easter holidays. Provision was put in place for children of NHS staff and other frontline workers, as well as children considered vulnerable. They include those on the child protection register, those in the care system or those who have additional support needs.

The National:

No figures have been made publicly available on the number of vulnerable children remaining in school, but Adamson (above) said it was understood to be “very, very low”, with some estimating as few as 10% of children and young people judged to be eligible attending.

He told the Sunday National: “School is a place of safety and support for many children. I’m seriously concerned about the low uptake of children at risk attending the school and support provisions that have been set up.

“There may be a number of reasons for this including the lack of practical support to get to hubs or concerns that children attending will be at greater risk of infection.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: UK 'missed' eight meetings with EU leaders on virus

“The Government has quite rightly focused on delivering a clear, simple message on public health.

“That is important and it must continue, but there are children and families who need to hear something more detailed and specific to them and their needs. The best support we can give to families is through trusted professionals who have built up positive relationships and who understand their needs. Local authorities are working hard to adapt their provision and it is important that there is good communication with families to see what will work best for them.”

Justina Murray, chief executive of SFAAD, said: “For the families we are supporting there are substance misuse issues and at the moment that is all happening in the family home.

“There needs to be a way of diffusing the tension and chaos that comes with that. That doesn’t always seem to be on the local authorities’ radar.

“It is essential that we give families the support they need to stop them breaking down just now and defuse that pressure cooking feeling.

“Schools could play a big role in that. At the moment provision depends on the local authority, but we worry that some children are dropping out of sight.”

In response, she called for schools to offer a flexible approach, allowing vulnerable children to access part time places and alternative curriculums where necessary.

READ MORE: Ian Blackford calls for guaranteed income amid coronavirus crisis

Earlier this year the Care Review highlighted the need for more preventative approaches to ensure children were able to stay with their familes and were not taken into care.

SFAAD is offering families phone and online support and runs two groups for young people, who have been provided with “stay in the house” activity packs, as well as meetings and events through Zoom.

“It helps us reassure young people that they are still on the radar because we still have concerns that some of them have been forgotten,” added Murray.

The National:

Mary Glasgow (above), chief executive of Children 1st, said its parent helpline had been inundated, with the number of support calls it is taken

quadrupling in recent weeks, sometimes from distressed or even suicidal parents.

“This is an unprecedented time,” she said. “We are seeing an increase in the number of families that are struggling at the moment.

“Parents and other carers are phoning and talking about how difficult it is to keep going. There is no respite and relationships get more fractured.

READ MORE: Row as Government advisor says mountain biking 'not exercise'

“I think the delivery of services that has been achieved has been remarkable – we are offering support by Zoom, and deliveries of essentials at safe distances have been made to 2000 families.

“We are working with the Scottish Government to get families access to technology, which helps us to have eyes and ears on these children.

“But there is no doubt that the pressures are immense. The country needs to keep its most vulnerable children at the forefront of its mind. It must not forget them.”

Anyone needing help can call Parentline on 08000 28 22 33 (9am-9pm Mon-Fri and 9am-noon Sat-Sun).

Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. It’s no exaggeration to say that the future of The National is at stake. Please consider supporting us through this with a digital subscription from just £2 for 2 months by following this link: http://www.thenational.scot/subscribe. Thanks – and stay safe.​