How schools and volunteers are supporting vulnerable children during the pandemic

Children listed as vulnerable are still allowed to attend school, but today the children's commissioner said just 5% of those places are being taken up.

These children would also usually receive free meals, but schools are now having to find other ways to feed their pupils.

Watch Claire McGlasson's report here:

ITV News Anglia spoke to Fakenham High School's headteacher, Adam Mason.

He delivers free lunches to pupils who are eligible for them, but for whatever reason, aren't attending school

Mr Mason safely delivering food to schoolchildren Credit: ITV Anglia

The service is a vital help for parents like Yvonne Doy, who's self-isolating with her children.

Yvonne Doy Credit: ITV Anglia

Staff say making and distributing them has proved easier than using the Government's voucher scheme, which they tried over the Easter holidays... only to be met with delays and website problems.

Today, in an online meeting of the Education Select Committee, Chelmsford MP and Education Minister Vicky Ford said there had been glitches with the voucher scheme - but also huge uptake.

Chelmsford MP and Education Minister Vicky Ford during a virtual Commons Education committee meeting.

In the same meeting, Conservative Ipswich MP Tom Hunt called on the government to consider introducing a requirement for all vulnerable pupils to attend school.

He says he is concerned that such a low number of children deemed to be vulnerable are attending school.

Volunteers in Luton Credit: ITV Anglia

In the tunnel of roads beneath The Mall Shopping Centre in Luton, volunteers are also supporting vulnerable children.

Just under half of the city’s children live in poverty - the Level Trust has designed activity packs to keep them busy and help them learn.

The group also supplies other essentials.

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know