A Dartford mum is bringing old and young together through an intergenerational phonics class at an Erith care home.

Jo Broadey is starting weekly classes at Heathfield Court where residents will be invited to take part alongside children.

A former English teacher, Jo has been running Sounds Right Phonics classes in Dartford and Erith since April, having bought one of the fifty franchises currently operating throughout the country.

She said: “I am so excited and proud to be launching these intergenerational classes for Sounds Right, as I think they will do so much good for children, parents and the care home residents.

"Our sessions are so much fun, and it is wonderful to be able to share this with members of the community who may not otherwise experience them."

Research shows that the residents thrive on the social interaction with the children, allowing them to make meaningful connections beyond the care home.

The children develop a greater sense of empathy, and learn to see the elderly members of their community in a new light.

Alex Burnside, founder of Sounds Right, said: ‘I am so proud that our Sounds Right Phonics Classes in Dartford are launching intergenerational classes, our classes are upbeat, and so much fun and we know the residents at Heathfield care home will absolutely love them!”