A child protection charity has issued a response to changes in how families operate during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Anna Edmundson, Head of Policy at the NSPCC said: "The entire way we think about child protection has changed in a matter of days and it is encouraging how the government has recognised the effects this crisis could have on children at risk of abuse and neglect.

She said: "It's now important schools have the guidance they need to safely look after children at this difficult time including on how social distancing is implemented.

"To ensure all children at home are safe, government must support local authorities, NHS and the police to work with schools and teachers in new ways to ensure no child falls through the gaps.

She said: "We can all play our part in this as well by checking in with families however we can and reaching out for support and advice if we have any concerns for a child's wellbeing."