A NEW early language development scheme from Oxfordshire County Council will see parents and carers given suggestions for 50 things to do with their children before they are five.

The initiative, will use a free downloadable phone app to provide families with a list of activities designed to help their child’s pre-school development. There will be an emphasis on parent-child interaction to assist with speech in the under fives.

The council say that being able to communicate effectively supports children’s mental health and wellbeing, as well as being the backbone of later literacy development. It is hoped the app will help young children grow, learn new things and develop friendships.

thisisoxfordshire: Fifty things to do before you're five… Project launched to help children in Oxfordshire develop

Blackbird Leys parent Shannon Steepe said: “I really like the inclusivity and variety of activities offered by the 50 things app. It allows all parents to find fun suggestions that work for them and their child.

"It’s already given me some great ideas, such as taking my son on a night time walk to see the stars and exploring different modes of transport.”

Steph Lella, from Banbury, said: “I think the app is fantastic, there are so many different low cost and free options for both at home and out and about.

"I especially love that the app suggests how you can adapt activities to suit all children.”

The county council estimates that there are 42,000 children under the age of five in Oxfordshire.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.