If you are looking for opportunities to learn more, learn new things or simply have some spare time that you and your family would like to fill we have gathered some information below which may appeal. Please note that some of these resources are always available but some have been specifically provided for the lockdown period. We hope you find something here to enjoy and if you know of any other resources that we could include please do let us know.
BBC Bitesize
BBC Bitesize is a free online study support resource designed to help with learning, revision and homework. It provides support for learners aged 5 to 16+ across a wide range of school subjects and also supports children and young people’s wellbeing and career choices. Please follow these links : https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zppx2v4 and https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/collections/regenerators-lessons-age-7-to-11/1
The BookTrust HomeTime
Looking for something fun as a family? Enjoy storytime with free online books and videos, play games, test your knowledge in our book-themed quizzes, or even learn how to draw some of your favourite characters. Please note the Book Trust sometimes link to third party sites, including YouTube, so children should not use HomeTime unsupervised. Follow this link to find out more: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/have-some-fun/
Canal and River Trust – Explorers – Learning from Home
Explorers is the Trust’s education programme aimed at children aged 5-11. They inspire children’s learning by connecting you to the UK’s canals and rivers. For now, the Trust has moved from a face-to-face learning programme to a digital one and will be sharing activities that encourage children to watch, read, do, play and create as they learn about canals and rivers from home – bringing the magic of the waterways to you! They will be sharing learning resource bundles, with activities and ideas to keep children engaged, on a range of topics through their social media pages. Follow this link to learn more: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/explorers/learning-from-home
Chester Zoo
Learn more with Chester Zoo’s free resources for at home and school. Follow this link to find out more about animals, birds and insects: https://www.chesterzoo.org/schools/resources/
Co-operative College
Utilising the latest interactive online technology, the Co-op has developed brand new short courses that can be completed on the go using your phone or tablet, all at a time that suits you. The courses also automatically track your progress, enabling you to pick up where you left off with ease. Follow this link to find out more: https://www.co-op.ac.uk/online-short-courses
Co-operate
The Co-op has a community site with resources “to help people make good things happen in communities” This may be anything from finding help with homeschooling, to locating an online or local activity, to seeking help and support. Please follow this link: https://co-operate.coop.co.uk/
Kids-country.co.uk – Home Activities
Each week, they will introduce a new theme with exciting hands-on learning resources for children around food, farming and the countryside, such as Busy with Bees, Minibeast Madness, Farmland Birds, Happy Chicks, Pigs, Sheep and Cattle. Follow this link to find out more: https://www.kids-country.co.uk/home-activities-resources/
The National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust has a Family Zone available during this time of school closures full of free activities and ideas to keep your child busy at home, whilst also benefiting from their reading, writing and language development. There are three age groups to choose from. Please follow this link https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/
The National Trust
The National Trust has 50 ultimate activities for you to enjoy, find out about all of the ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities with this handy list. From stargazing to crawling through mud looking for animal clues, they have something for every young explorer. Follow this link to find out more: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/50-things-to-do-before-youre-11–activity-list
Northamptonshire Adult Learning Service
They have a range of classes available to book now. Courses are funded by the government and depending on the type of course learners are sometimes required to pay a tuition fee, or a contribution to the cost of resources or exam fees. Many courses are free or have remitted fees depending on your circumstances. Please follow this link: https://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/councilservices/children-families-education/adult-learning/Pages/default.aspx
The Open University OpenLearn
Dive in and start learning! Everything on the OpenLearn site is free to everyone and gives you free access to course materials and expert opinion. Choose from a range of subjects and get inspired. Please follow this link https://www.open.edu/openlearn/
Plantlife
Plantlife is a British conservation charity working nationally and internationally to save threatened wild flowers, plants and fungi. Are you looking for some fun but educational activities for the kids during lockdown? Follow this link to find out more with free downloads https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/our-work/publications or for activities: https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/discover-wild-plants-nature/lockdown-activities-for-kids
The Prince’s Trust
The Prince’s Trust believes that every young person should have the chance to embrace exciting opportunities. They help 11 to 30 year-olds to find the tools and confidence to try free courses and start careers. Find free training and advice to gain confidence, get into work or start your own business. Search for free courses in your area. Find tools and resources for anything from updating your CV to building your own business. Get funding to train and learn. Follow this link to find out more: https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/
The Reading Agency
The Reading Agency Hub has free activities and resources for all ages and abilities. Follow this link https://readingagency.org.uk/resources/
RSPB Fun and Learning
Explore nature and get closer to wildlife and the outside world. There are loads of great ideas and resources to help kids and families connect with nature, from simple activities to do at home or at school, to wild clubs, fun articles and family-friendly reserves and events. Follow this link to find out more https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/
The Sensory Trust
Currently using nature and the outdoors to enhance the well-being of people living with dementia, their families and carers and support the development, learning and well being of children with additional needs and their families. Follow this link for activities designed to be suitable for a wide range of participants which can be adapted to suit different needs: https://www.sensorytrust.org.uk/resources/activities
The Skills Toolkit
Want to learn a new skill whilst at home? Lockdown has made life difficult for many, but if you can find the time, grab this opportunity to build up your existing skill set and discover new talents. Free digital and numeracy courses to build your skills are available on this link: https://theskillstoolkit.campaign.gov.uk/
Visit England
50 ways to explore England while staying at home. Follow this link and take virtual tours of England’s top attractions, visit the Puppetry Festival, sing along with the Wind in the Willows and so on… https://www.visitengland.com/things-do-to-at-home-bored
WEA
The WEA has been discussing possible sessions and workshops that could be held at Buckby Library & Hub and other libraries in the county when we re-open. However, they have now launched an online learning service during the lockdown to give a taste of what you might be able to do in the future.
The range of courses will be increased over the coming weeks and will include activities, lectures and short courses. They can be accessed at www.wea.org.uk/liveonlinelearning. Offers accessed through this website are free.
The Wildlife Trusts
Go wild in your garden! Large or small, ledge or yard, your garden can be an amazing home in a wider network of natural havens linking green spaces with nature reserves and the countryside. Follow this link and consider a whole host of wild ideas and features – or just pick one and then sit back, enjoy the view and see who visits: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/gardening
WWF Educational Activities to Enjoy from Home
If you are a parent seeking ways to make the most of time at home with your children, WWF want to help. Each week, they will be providing engaging ways to connect with nature and learn more about our amazing planet. Themed weeks will include live learning events, an opportunity to participate in fun and insightful webinars with WWF experts, and links to educational materials. And in case you miss any of these live events, you can revisit and access all content as and when you need to. Find more information here: https://www.wwf.org.uk/get-involved/families
Disclaimer
The information contained on our website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep this information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services listed. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this information. Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Buckby Library & Hub. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.