As Nursery World went to press, there were 1,134 confirmed cases of foot and mouth in Britain, of which 135 were in Dumfries and Galloway. Education department administrative officer Nancy Ellis said, 'The education department has sent letters out to all schools saying we can arrange counselling sessions for children if necessary.
'We have said that the counselling is here but we depend on headteachers sensitively approaching affected families. We expect the foot and mouth outbreak to have long-term consequences and it will probably be after all the animal stock has gone and money is not coming in to the family that children may require counselling. Schools are ensuring that children do not see anything upsetting while they are at school and the authority is anxious that they continue to attend school.'
At Canonbie Primary and Nursery in Dumfriesshire, near the first confirmed outbreak in Scotland, circle time is being used to help deal with children's worries that include fears that animals are being burnt alive and that their domestic pets will be affected. The nursery had to be closed for two days because of smoke from nearby pyres.
Glasgow-based child behaviour specialist Elizabeth Quinn said it is a confusing and disturbing time for children in farming communities and any questions they ask should be treated seriously. Parents and childcarers should be open to discussing the situation with children who may ask about issues surrounding the culling, including death.
She added, 'Nurseries and schools being closed during the crisis may well have added to the difficulties of the children. When they do not have access to the sense of companionship with their peers they may feel isolated as they lose the fun and diversions of school. This places a huge demand on adults as they support the children. Seeking ways for them to have contact with other children and finding opportunities to share grief and sadness with peers will be necessary.'