For parents and carers in need of a bit of magic to get through teaching and entertaining children in lockdown, don’t worry – help is at hand from Hogwarts itself.

Author JK Rowling has unveiled Harry Potter At Home, a digital hub to provide entertainment for youngsters during the coronavirus pandemic.

Featuring “information and activities for children, parents and carers”, it will be hosted on WizardingWorld.com.

Throughout April, as the lockdown due to COVID-19 continues, families will also be able to access free audiobooks and eBooks of Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, the first novel in Rowling’s best-selling wizarding series.

“The teachers, parents and carers working to keep children’s lives as normal and happy as possible while we’re all on lockdown deserve a bit of magic,” Rowling said.

“I hope these initiatives will give children and even adults a happy distraction during their enforced stay-at-home time.”

The Harry Potter At Home hub is “an online space for younger children to discover the magic of Harry Potter – either on their own, or reading and listening” with an adult.

Wizarding Wednesdays will provide “creative and craft activities, quizzes and fun things to do for parents and carers”.

Announcing the new hub on WizardingWorld.com, a statement said: “For over 20 years now, Hogwarts has been an escape for all – for readers and fans, young and old.

“During the strange times we now find ourselves in, we want to welcome you back to Hogwarts, where you will find a friendly retreat for you, your family and those you are caring for.”

Neil Blair, founder of Rowling’s agency The Blair Partnership, said: “The Harry Potter books have always been a refuge, comfort and escape for readers, and right now we need reading for pleasure more than ever.”