Two special schools have opened as emergency childcare specialist hubs for Powys' most vulnerable children and young people.

From today, Ysgol Cedewain in Newtown and Ysgol Penmaes in Brecon will help support critical and key workers whose children usually attend special schools or pupil referral units.

These hubs will be open from Monday to Friday, during normal school hours, to make sure they are supported and cared for safely.

A cap will be in place on the number of pupils attending each day to make sure that there are enough appropriately qualified staff on site as well as enough space for children, in line with government guidelines.

Thirteen emergency childcare hubs at school sites across the county have been open since Friday, March 27 and are open seven days a week from 8am to 6pm.

Cllr Phyl Davies is the council cabinet member responsible for education and property in Powys. He said: "Our special school and pupil referral unit headteachers will determine which children will require access the specialist hubs. This will be done one a priority basis and dependent on available staff and we will update parents, carers and our children's services team as required.

"If necessary, a weekly rota system could be developed for families so that more children have access to the specialist hubs over time. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our families as we make these arrangements."

"For those pupils who are not attending the specialist hubs, the special schools and pupil referral units will continue to keep in regular contact with the families and will provide learning opportunities for the pupils while they are at home."

Cllr Davies added "I want to thank all professionals at all our schools for their commitment during this extremely difficult period."

Powys County Council says it will work closely with special schools and pupil referral units and regularly review the situation.