A SMALL Dales primary school’s online community group for under-fives has proved to be a lifeline for its participants during the lockdown.

More than 50 parents and carers of pre-schoolers have joined KiMCom, a Facebook group launched by Kirkby Malham Primary School to provide a virtual place for young families when national coronavirus restrictions blocked opportunities for meeting up.

Kirkby Malham’s early years teacher Julie Middleton runs the group with specialist music teacher Sally-Anne Brown.

It features live music sessions, imaginative, exciting activities, ideas and support.

Mrs Middleton said: “We always intended to start a group for pre-schoolers, meeting at our school, which is set in the open limestone countryside of Malhamdale, and taking advantage of our outdoor wildlife area, but the pandemic forced us to rethink and KiMCom began last autumn.

“It has proved very popular – especially Mrs Brown’s weekly live music sessions which are tremendous fun – and it is growing all the time.

“It has become a much-appreciated support network for young families

“And it is a lovely way for little ones to engage with us and be entertained at the same time.”

The group is open to all families in the area, not just those who attend, or will attend, the school.

Executive headteacher Richard Wright said: “During the pandemic we noticed how families with very young children are at risk of becoming isolated in a rural area such as ours.

“Social groups and support networks have been whittled away and we’re delighted that KiMCom has been able to fill the void.

“When the time is right we will offer on-site KiMCom creative activities and social sessions making the most of the natural resources we are so fortunate to have in abundance at our setting.”

To join the KiMCom Facebook group please see KiMCOM – Kirkby-in-Malhamdale UVA Primary School Community Group.