AN early years teacher and mum of two young boys has taken to the internet to share play ideas for parents at home with their tots.

Sophie Pickles, from Steeton, has been providing inspiration for those with babies, toddlers and pre-school children in their charge on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook as well as on the video platform, YouTube.

The former head of early years at Moorfield School, in Ilkley, who also taught at nursery, reception, year 1 and year 2 at the school, has a large band of followers throughout the district.

She now works from home as an educational consultant and copywriter, as well as producing relevant content on social media.

“I have been sharing play ideas and inspiration for babies, toddlers and preschoolers on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for the past two years.

“But after we we had to make the decision to stop attending local groups and activities several weeks ago, I decided to take our play ideas online.

“ Even before Joe Wicks started his very popular daily PE lessons, we have been holding live daily play sessions with a simple but fun play idea each day of the week - all using everyday household items.

“We have made chia seed slime, done ice painting, made DIY bird feeders, created a masking tape town and lots more.

“ After the success of the first week of live daily play, I decided to extend the offering and hold live weekly baby classes streamed via Facebook and YouTube.

!Each class has hundreds of parents attending and many catch up afterwards too - meaning we are reaching over 1000 families a week.

“I would love all parents and families to know that they are not alone and they are welcome to come and join our play community.

“I have had so many wonderful comments, messages and photos sent to me and has brought me so much joy. I would love to spread the word even further to make sure no parent of young children or babies feels alone during this period of isolation.”

Sophie, who has sons, Finley two, and Rupert, three months, has been praised by many of the mums tuning in saying she is an ‘inspiration’ and saying her sessions ‘bring back a bit of normality’.

Others say she has provided a calming influence to unusual times while others have told her they are already looking forward to the home made bubble instructions.

Her children feature is the videos.

Many parents who have taken part often send pictures to her of their own children at play.

For those not familiar with Sophie’s home play sessions they can be found on Facebook at: Sophie Pickles Early Years. They are also on Instagram: @mummypickles and on YouTube: Sophie Pickles.