Language and Play officers in Bridgend county borough have recorded a series of book readings, songs and craft sessions to enable young children to continue to develop, learn and play during the coronavirus pandemic.

The team which are uploading the videos to a closed Facebook page for families registered under the scheme are combining their usual roles with supporting the childcare provision for keyworkers, being based at one of the emergency childcare hubs.

Robyn Scott who is one of three language and play officers who is usually out in the community delivering sessions to parents and carers with children said: “It’s so important to keep in touch with our families for their wellbeing and the early language development of young children.

“We work with around 100 families in the community and there are many more that attend the Flying Start hubs where three more language and play officers are based.

“In recording our videos, we are simulating the same kind of session that our families attended before the lockdown.

“Our programmes are normally six weeks and include a focus on numbers, outdoor learning, and language.

“When we went into lockdown I uploaded the all songs video onto the Bridgend Flying Start Facebook page.

“A few weeks ago we launched a closed language and play Facebook page just for the language and play families and for those attending Flying Start hubs.

“We upload the videos on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with different books and activities – the children are enjoying seeing our faces with parents starting to send us photos of what their children have made in the craft sessions which is lovely.”

Recent stories read out by the team have included The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Little Raindrop and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Related songs and crafts are then performed or demonstrated.

If families wish to access the closed Facebook page, they either need to be attending a group with one of the team or in the process to be attending, or they can contact the Basic Skills team on 01656 642642 or their health visitor.