Hub schools to stay open during Easter holiday

Argyll and Bute’s ‘hub’ schools will all stay open throughout the scheduled Easter holiday, the council has confirmed.

And a higher number of primary pupils using the service has seen Colgrain Primary School replace Hermitage Academy as the Helensburgh school involved in the scheme.

The local authority announced last month that ten schools would act as ‘hubs’ to give free school meals to those who are entitled to them during the Covid-19 pandemic.

They will also continue to provide childcare for the young people of key workers as the coronavirus crisis continues.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Free school meal provision will continue over the Easter break.

“The [Helensburgh] hub school was moved to Colgrain because we have more primary and early years pupils attending than secondary.

“Colgrain provides a more suitable environment for children this age.

“The hub schools are still providing childcare for key workers throughout the Easter break, including the public holidays.”

Colgrain is the only school in Helensburgh providing free school meals for youngsters who are entitled to them while the UK remains in its current situation.

The other nine involved are Dunoon Grammar School, Rothesay Joint Campus, Oban Primary Campus, Castlehill Primary in Campbeltown, Lochgilphead Joint Campus, Tarbert Academy, Tiree High, Tobermory High and Islay High.

The scheme started on March 23 – the day strict limits on movement were introduced across the UK in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and the first weekday following the decision to close all the country’s schools for the duration of the crisis.