FEWER than one in ten children classed as vulnerable who are eligible for a continued school place are taking up the offer in the BCP Council area.

Last week, just eight per cent of children living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole who have been deemed “high risk” attended school.

This reflects the national trend which has prompted concern that some youngsters were facing increased risks as a result of spending more time at home.

When schools, colleges and pre-schools were mostly closed last month they were asked to continue offering places to children of key workers and to those deemed vulnerable.

But national figures published last week showed that nationally only five per cent of the latter category were taking up the offer.

Over the past two weeks in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, the number is slightly higher at between seven and eight per cent.

Guidance from the government says there is an “expectation” that vulnerable children continue to attend their educational provision, “where it is appropriate”.

BCP Council said it was working “proactively” to “address any barriers” that may prevent youngsters from continuing their place.

Cabinet member for children, councillor Sandra Moore, said the council was working with both schools and children to encourage attendance.

“We want to support as many vulnerable children in the BCP Council area to attend school during this difficult time as possible,” she said.

“School staff are working very hard to ensure they remain open and that they can offer places to all eligible pupils and we applaud them for this contribution to the effort to stop the spread of coronavirus whilst also working to support the members of our community that need us the most during this period of time.

“We want to see the percentage of pupils benefitting from this access increase and will continue to support parents and focus resources to maximise attendance.”

The council said continued access to learning “significantly” boosted children’s life chances.

“The council is continuing to work with schools to ensure that they are able to offer places to this group of pupils in order to effectively meet their holistic needs,” its spokesman said.