Dundee key workers could be facing a childcare crisis after the city council tightened up its support centre rules in preparation for the move towards schools re-opening at the end of summer.
When schools were closed at the end of March, the authority opened eight community support centres across the city to provide critical childcare for the children of key workers, as well as vulnerable youngsters.
A number of private childcare providers have also been offering placements on behalf of the council.
With work now underway to prepare schools for re-opening in August, revised criteria has been put in place to fit the available capacity.
Key workers have until 5pm on Wednesday to make their online applications.
The authority has said it will now only accept new applications directly at the community support centre.
For single parent families, only children of category 1 key workers will be taken if the parent or carer cannot work from home and has no other childcare options.
Children from families with two parent/carers will only be accommodated where both parents are category 1 workers and neither can work from home, or no other options are available.
Families have been advised to approach their local community support centre directly where they will be asked to complete a paper application.
The centres will remain open until August 4.
