A South Derbyshire councillor and children's safeguarding expert says vital signs of child abuse may go "unnoticed" due to schools being closed to most pupils.

Cllr Melanie Bridgen, a member of South Derbyshire District Council representing Linton, and also a partner and solicitor at law firm Nelsons, says we must all keep our eyes and ears open for potential child abuse.

She says this is particularly important now many children are isolated indoors and in a potentially abusive household due to measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Many of these children will still be permitted to attend school, particularly if they have an assigned social worker, but may not be sent to school by their parents or carers.

Cllr Bridgen told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "With school closures and then enforced isolation as a consequence of the coronavirus it is important for the general public to be vigilant and help the local authority when it comes to safeguarding children.

"Children who are classified as children-in-need or looked-after by the local authority will still be permitted to attend school but that does not necessarily mean that they will attend for a number of reasons.

"Attending school provides a layer of safeguarding for children. Schools can be the eyes and ears of social services and notice things such as changes in behaviour, neglect, emotional or physical abuse.

"It is not unusual for the school to report those concerns to the local authority but if children are not attending then these concerns may go unnoticed.

"We should all take the safety and welfare of children very seriously. Therefore, if you have concerns that a child is being neglected or abused in any way then you should contact children's services to share that with them. Referrals can be made anonymously if needed and out of hours.

"Although social services will be under pressure the safety and welfare of children will always be a priority.

"We must all follow the government guidance on isolation and social distancing.

"However, to protect our children we must also keep our eyes and ears open to potential abuse and report that to the authorities when appropriate.

"If you are a parent who is concerned that the stress of having children at home may be too much to bear when coupled with isolation this should be shared with the local authority children's services who will do their best to put support in place to assist."

Late last night Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared a near-complete UK lock-down to prevent the spread of the virus.

This means that children not in school will be kept at home apart from for one form of exercise once a day.

Their parent or carer may take them food shopping or for medical supplies – one of very permitted reasons – but this is a right to be exercised as infrequently as possible, Mr Johnson said.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of children's charity the NSPCC, said it is "imperative" that different agencies understand who is responsible for children at home and added that social workers "will need continued support and resources to support those in isolation".

He said: "We are living in a public health emergency and it's never been more important for everyone to play their part in recognising and reporting abuse and neglect. Anyone with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for professional advice."

The NSPCC helpline number for parents, families and professionals is 0808 800 500 and operates Monday to Friday 8am to 10pm and 9am to 6pm at weekends.

Children can call Childline on 0800 1111 for support, advice or to raise concerns – calls are entirely confidential.