CONCERNS have been raised about a lack of social distancing at Clydebank’s secondary schools as pupils returned to class.

All youngsters and staff are back at Clydebank High and St Peter the Apostle for the first time in months after the coronavirus pandemic shut down the town.

But photos circulating widely on social media on Tuesday showed youngsters crowded outside school doors and inside hallways. Multiple copies were sent to the Post.

We have obscured the images to protect pupils’ identities.

One parent is understood to have gone to the school after seeing the photos.

Council officials said the images are from the first day pupils returned this week and they opened a second entrance to spread youngsters out.

An extensive list of rules was sent out to Clydebank High parents, urging youngsters to “use the available hand washing facilities/sanitisers on entrance to the school building and maintain social distancing where possible”.

But one mum at the school told the Post: “I think this is unacceptable. My daughter thinks it’s shocking there is no social distancing in or outside the school.

“We were sent info regarding what things were being put in place for the kids being back but my child has stated nothing has changed.

“Another parent had been down the school this morning regarding the photos and was told by the school that there was nothing they could do apart from making sure kids sanatised and wash their hands.”

Pupils are asked to follow floor markings and keep single file and to the left “at all times”. Youngsters don’t have to wear masks while in school, but it was “advised” to carry “appropriate face covering” in case it was needed. Water bottles have to be filled at home.

Some comments on social media downplayed the threat of the pandemic and said it was good to see youngsters back at school.

Another parent told the Post: “I’m not worried about it as long as good personal hygiene is taken seriously and the school sanitises areas of high risk.

“At the end of the day we must move forward as kids need their education. But the school has a responsibility for the safety of pupils and staff and the wider community.

“I think the school rules clearly state to all parents what must be done. It is parents’, teachers’ and pupils’ responsibility to follow the rules to stop the virus spreading.”

A spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council said: “The health and wellbeing of our pupils is our top priority and we continually review guidance to ensure our pupils’ safety while at school.

"These images were taken on the first day all pupils returned to the building together and as they tried to adapt to the new systems in place.

"When the senior management team realised the area was becoming congested, a second entrance was introduced to minimise the number of pupils at each location.

"In addition, the school operates a one-way system inside the building and has also implemented a new policy for teachers to move between classrooms instead of pupils.

"West Dunbartonshire Council regularly reviews school safety guidance to ensure that the measures we have in place are effective and offer a practical approach to maintaining physical distancing where possible."

Where possible pupils are encouraged to be outside, or in allocated areas if the weather is poor.