'The classes were a life saver'

Parents sit with their children in their laps, singing action songs, enjoying books and learning how to develop their children’s language by chatting and playing together. There is a buzz of excitement, conversation, laughter. And yet all of this is happening online, using Zoom. 

Fatima*, who lives in Tooting, first heard about our online classes when her daughter, Izma*, was two years old. Izma suffers from a life-shortening, terminal disease diagnosed at birth, so because of her low immunity she was shielding during COVID. Izma’s speech was delayed and her health visitor felt the classes would be useful for the family.

Aimed at children aged two to four years, our Early Years classes are designed to give parents the confidence and skills to build their child’s early literacy at home. Before COVID-19  these classes happened on the premises of our partner schools. But all of that changed when schooling was interrupted because of the pandemic. With schools still unable to allow visitors in autumn 2020, we adapted this important intervention to be delivered virtually via Zoom. This has worked very successfully for a variety of families, and, of course, was particularly beneficial for families in Fatima and Izma’s situation.

Fatima was unsure what the online classes would be like, but once she started attending with Izma she was surprised at how easy, happy and fun they were and how helpful the teachers were to each family in the group.

So how has it made a difference to the family? 

‘We read more books and sing more songs because of what we have learnt from the classes. The free book packs are amazing, especially for families like mine who cannot afford to buy books and games. We use them all the time!’

‘I am so, so thankful for these classes. It was a life saver for me and Izma. We needed them at the time and are so grateful. I would definitely recommend them to other parents.’

* names have been changed to maintain confidentiality