Within the hubs volunteer staff and pupils have been getting to know each other and establishing activities and structure to fill the days.

The hubs have been opened to provide childcare for critical key workers in the NHS, emergency services, care and other key sectors identified by the Scottish Government.

In total there are 20 primary school hubs which are now operating extended hours and are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with six early years establishments operating from 8am to 6pm.

Woodside Primary in Hamilton is one of the school hubs and Head Teacher Elaine Rewick is one of the team of volunteer staff on site.

She said: “We have had a very busy start to getting the hub going and it has been lovely meeting so many new families, who have been so appreciative of the service we are providing.

“The children have all been fab and they have all been really well behaved and embraced the opportunity to make new friends. We do of course observe social distancing procedures so it was all a bit strange initially.

“At this challenging time, we have made sure our Hub has been all about fun so we have been outside playing lots, watching movies, and even Pat from SLLC has been putting all the children (and the staff) through circuit training!”

The hub schools, supported by South Lanarkshire’s Education Resources management team, are also sharing ideas on the diverse activities being included in their programmes.

For example St Athanasius Primary in Carluke organised Karaoke for the children.

And as they are bringing together staff and pupils from different schools many of the hubs have been using art to create their own identities.

Biggar Primary is one of many where the children’s artwork now provides a colourful welcome.

In Rutherglen and Cambuslang the hub schools have also fulfilled a role supporting the wider community with food collections and parcels for those most in need.

Communities have also been offering support to the hubs in the Lanark local branches of Tesco and Morrison’s donated Easter eggs. Lanark and District Round Table gave £100 for activity resources to all the Clydesdale hubs.

Lanark Primary Head Teacher Fiona Crook is one of the team of volunteers staffing the Lanark Hub. Speaking on behalf of the whole team, she said: “Every one of our volunteers and of course the children wish to convey our thanks to all who have made donations to the Lanark Hub. 

“It is reflective of the fantastic community spirit there is in Lanark to support our NHS and social care workers and the emergency services who are working in the front-line to keep people safe.  The smile on the children’s faces says it all and we together say a huge thank you”.

Chair of the council's Education Resources Committee, Councillor Katy Loudon, said: “I am really proud of all the work that has gone into getting the hubs up and running and making sure there is plenty to keep the children stimulated and entertained.

“I am equally proud of how well the children are adapting to the new environment. It must have all seemed very strange at first but it can only be helpful for those critically important key workers facing the incredible challenges presented by the Coronavirus to know their children are happy.”

More information on all the South Lanarkshire hubs is available from the council website.