A mum-of-four who runs a children's performing arts academy is preparing online classes to keep kids dancing during the coronavirus lockdown.

Kerry Gaughran, principal of Little Voices based in Gillingham, and her tutors have compiled a programme of singing and drama lessons in a "bid to bring a bit of normality" into their lives.

Kerry, 32, is concerned that youngsters may not be coping with the impact of the pandemic sweeping the world.

She said: "It's hard enough for adults to take in all that's going on, let alone children."

Having halted her weekly sessions at Hempstead Junior School, she is ready to press the button on online tuition.

She said: "I fear how they are feeling, hearing all of this stuff in the media and parents talking in hushed tones with anxious faces.

"The reality is school trips and talent shows are being cancelled, schools are closing, they can't visit grandparents in care homes. It's scary for them.

"How many other kids' activities can be run online? Swimming, dance, gymnastics, sports? None of them.

"Routine is so important to children. We will bringing our groups together with their teacher to 'keep calm and carry on' and giving them something to do if they are going stir-crazy at home.

"We have a few pupils who are self-isolating already and we don't want them to miss out."

"Routine is so important to children. We will bringing our groups together with their teacher to 'keep calm and carry on'"

Little Voices West Kent was started by Kerry and her husband, Ben, in 2014 and recently celebrated its sixth anniversary.

She has 40 members aged between 4 and 18 and prides herself on having small groups with a maximum of eight performers in each.

Those taking part in the sessions will be able to access their scripts and lyrics and will be working towards their London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art exams – but formal exams have been suspended until April 30.

Kerry's tutors will be able to listen to their pupils singing and script reading and provide critique.

She added: "They can listen to individuals just the same as our lessons would be and because it's only a maximum of eight in a class, it's very manageable.

"I have had feedback from some parents to say thank you so much for doing this."

"Our tutors have all done rehearsals on stage and we will be up and running. The response has been great. We are all very excited. Little Voices will be running as normal."

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