Free website launched in Sheffield to keep children busy during lockdown

Create Sheffield and 50 things to do before you’re 5 host a variety of imaginative ideas for families to share with each other in a bid to keep kids occupied.

It aims to bring children from all communities together at the end of a week which should have seen the start of the summer school term.

Ian Naylor, Chair of Create Sheffield, said: “At a time when we are turning to creativity and play like no other, there seems no better time to try and draw our city and its young people together.

“This movement has creativity and collaboration at its heart. It will really come alive when our city, our home and the children who bring it such vibrancy can contribute to its development.”

’50 things to do before you’re 5’ offers alternatives to classic Sheffield days out, such as links to museum websites and home and gardening ideas.

Their activities are based on research of how children learn and are low cost to make them accessible to the majority of under 5s across the city.

Mum-of-three Angela Winter, 45, believes the app is a step in the right direction for supporting families during lockdown.

“Coming up with ways to keep children stimulated can be difficult for parents,” Ms Winter said.

“This gives you a helping hand in coming up with the ideas, which makes life easier for us and keeps the kids busy,” she added.

Councillor Abtisam Mohamed, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Sheffield City Council, says the app has come at a time when families really need extra support and ideas for learning.

He said: “I can’t wait to see the exciting home adventures the children and young people across Sheffield take part in over the next few weeks.”

Families are encouraged to share their activities on social media using #50ThingsSheffield, #homeadventures or #gardengig for aspiring musicians.