KEY worker childcare hubs opened by education bosses across Inverclyde have become a safe haven for vulnerable youngsters.

The number of needy kids attending the hubs is on the rise, latest statistics indicate.

Data presented to councillors reveals a gradual increase in the figure since the Covid-19 lockdown was announced on March 23.

At the start of last month, there were still no vulnerable children attending the hubs.

By April 28, almost 50 disadvantaged kids turned up.

Since schools were instructed to close in a bid to slow the spread of the virus, the council has been operating nine childcare hubs across Greenock, Port Glasgow and Gourock to care for children of key workers, as well as vulnerable youngsters.

They are serving around 150 pupils, with about two thirds of them the children of key workers such as NHS staff.

A council spokesman said: “The key worker childcare hubs have been a huge success since they launched on March 25. 

"The council has been able to offer places to all applicants who meet the necessary criteria.

“Around 100 children of key workers are attending across nine centres throughout Inverclyde daily, allowing their parents to continue carrying out their vital frontline duties.

“On top of that, up to 50 vulnerable young people are being welcomed each day.

“The hubs provide a safe environment for the children to learn, meet new friends and have fun.

“Education staff have been instrumental in their success and the positive feedback received, particularly from parents and carers.

“The hubs are also being used as packed lunch pick-up points for pupils in P1 to P4 who are not entitled to a free school meal but have registered to receive one.”