FOUR of East Lothian’s six children’s hubs set up to support parents who are key workers have remained open during Easter.

Youngsters attending are being given the chance to learn cycling skills, gymnastics and arts and crafts.

The children have access to a range of activities with fitness sessions emailed in from local clubs. Social distancing is maintained and hand washing is a regular part of the daily routine.

Helping provide the activities – over what would have been two weeks of school holidays – alongside Active Schools are the outdoor learning service, libraries, the education and ranger service as well as the ‘Can Do’ playscheme.

Children at the four Easter holiday hubs are also being given the chance to take part in Bikeability Scotland training, a programme developed and funded by Cycling Scotland to help young people develop cycling.

East Lothian Council decided after consulting with parents to keep the hubs in Musselburgh, Tranent, Haddington and Dunbar open, closing those in Prestonpans and North Berwick.

Last week, about 160 children attended the six hubs and the council expects about 70 to attend the four that stay open over the holidays.

Lesley Brown, the council’s chief operating officer for education, said: “This is an extremely difficult time for families. As the end of term approached, staff volunteers came forward to maintain provision over the Easter holidays. While this is not a situation anyone would have wanted, the arrangements we have put in place will provide assistance to key workers at this difficult time.”

Youngsters attending the Musselburgh hub took part in cycling activities and games including slaloms, ‘cycle the tightrope’ and emergency stops on Monday. 

Some of the groups have been decorating their classroom doors with team names. Teams can earn points for imagination, social distancing, having fun and positive behaviours such as good manners.

Mark Unwin from Active Schools said: “The kids were loving the chance to learn new skills and explore the school grounds on the bikes provided by the Bikeability programme and Sparewheels.”.