Heybridge teacher is giving children the chance to learn French from birth to 11-years-old

Teacher Jennifer Plumb is launching new language classes in the district aimed at children aged from when they are born to 11.

She lives in Heybridge with her husband and two young children, and is a qualified teacher who has worked in the Maldon and Chelmsford area for eight years.

Mrs Plumb is now a member of a network of teachers in Lingotot – a multi-award-winning languages programme.

She said: “I love being in the classroom but demands at home meant I needed more flexibility.

“I recently started working as a supply teacher but unfortunately I wasn’t often able to teach languages which is what I originally trained for.”

Mrs Plumb was looking for something that would use her foreign language skills in French and Italian while accommodating the needs of her family when she came across the Lingotot programme.

The programme was developed by Angela Sterling, an experienced languages teacher, and aims to engage children through songs, games, play, crafts and stories.

Mrs Plumb said: “Languages are about far more than just learning a set of words.

“They can help develop understanding, tolerance and empathy and build social skills and confidence.

“When I was a child, I learned Italian from my family and although I didn’t go on to study Italian at school, I had a great foundation in languages which meant I was able to approach French more confidently and do well.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to communicate in another language and I am very excited to share that with the families of Maldon and Heybridge.”

There are more than 50 Lingotot teachers across the UK. Mrs Plumb will also be offering community group lessons to families.

The Maldon and Heybridge Lingotot launch party is set for Saturday, April 6 at Maldon Town Hall with an Easter-themed party. It will be free and open to all families in the area to attend, but places must be booked in advance. For details, visit lingotot. com/centre/maldon-heybridge.