Education chief Carrie Lindsay has called for communities to keep watch for vulnerable pupils during the coronavirus crisis.
Fife’s education chief has called the public to remain vigilant for the welfare of vulnerable youngsters during the coronavirus crisis.
Carrie Lindsay, Fife director of education and children’s services, said she had concerns that many more families could be feeling the pressure while problems are hidden behind closed doors.
She has also called on teachers to continue taking an interest in the children they are responsible for and for neighours to play a part in drawing attention to families who are struggling.
She said: “We need to make sure that we are encouraging all of our communities to be listening out for things that are going on behind closed doors.
“We need neighbours and people in communities to help us, to alert us if there are situations they are concerned about so that we can help.”
Last week the government sent new guidance to councils on child protection during the Covid-19 outbreak.
It warned new stresses brought about by coronavirus “could be a trigger for abuse and neglect” at a time when children would be less visible and when the professionals who usually work with them would be “under acute pressure”.
