Perth and Kinross Council says it is working hard to make sure vulnerable children are supported while the schools are closed.
Schools and nurseries up and down the region are due to shut today (Friday, March 20) in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
This comes after education secretary John Swinney, who is also MSP for Perthshire North, updated the Scottish Parliament on the plans yesterday afternoon.
Sheena Devlin, executive director of education and children’s services at Perth and Kinross Council, said: “The decision to close schools and not have pupils sit exams this year is without precedent.
“We are currently working closely with our partners to find ways we can best use our schools - and our valuable school staff - to support vulnerable children, pupils completing their SQA coursework and the children of key workers.
“Since the decision to close schools was taken, we have been identifying vulnerable young people who we will continue to support while schools are closed.
“Perth and Kinross Council is also talking to parents working in emergency and key services such as Police Scotland, the NHS, the social care sector and other local workers who ensure key services can be delivered about providing childcare where necessary.
“We are also looking at the best ways to continue to provide free school meals, or a suitable equivalent, for children entitled to them.
“Pupils will be continuing their learning at home and teachers will bring all their creativity and knowledge to help our pupils through the coming weeks.
“We will be finalising arrangements over the next few days.”
Perth and Kinross Council will also be launching a survey today for key workers to tell the authorities what their childcare needs are.
