Sheffield pupils get to grips with money in maths challenge

Reception children at a Chapeltown school have embraced lockdown learning by taking on a fun money-themed maths challenge.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Reception pupils from Lound Infant School have been enjoying home school projects during the coronavirus lockdown – and this week’s challenge saw pupils given different activities themed around money and even encouraged to set up their own shop.

Louise Foster reception teacher said: “Teachers provided planning with links to coin recognition online games, activities to sort and name coins in their money box or parent’s wallet and encouragement to set up a shop to pra ctise using money in a real life situation. Feedback was that they really enjoyed it.”

The school is one of scores across Sheffield which have been making provisions for pupils to learn at home in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Five-year-old Teddy Thulbourne, with Teddy's shopFive-year-old Teddy Thulbourne, with Teddy's shop
Five-year-old Teddy Thulbourne, with Teddy's shop

For many parents across Sheffield, the dining room is now doubling up as an office, for home-working, and kids bedrooms are becoming their classrooms as they juggle the demands of lockdown life.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that all schools, nurseries and colleges would close in the war against Covid-19 on March 20.

All schools across the country currently remain closed to pupils with the exception of children of key workers, including NHS staff, needed in the national effort to tackle coronavirus.

The government wants children in Reception and Years 1 and 6 to return to school from June 1.

Freddie France, aged five, with Freddie's ShopFreddie France, aged five, with Freddie's Shop
Freddie France, aged five, with Freddie's Shop

However, education unions have raised concerns about the safety of children and staff.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson praised teachers for ‘going above and beyond the call of duty’ for continuing to teach children of key workers, as well as making sure resources were available for children at home.

He said: "You have simply been outstanding and we are so grateful for what you've done.

“We have been quite clear all along that we would only start inviting more children when our five key tests have been met.”