The after-school gadget that gives children something to do without another screen

Summer is coming to an end, and for families that means it’s time to prepare for one thing: back-to-school.

That also means back to routine, and for many parents and carers the school pick-up can mark the start of the busiest part of the day. Once children are home, there are snacks to sort, homework to tackle, dinner to prepare, and perhaps even their own work to finish.

This is all while battling to make sure the kids don’t spend too long in front of the TV. For parents trying to keep screen time under control, finding something to keep sons and daughters entertained to fill those after-school hours can be tricky.

That's where the Yoto player comes in. Yoto is a screen-free audio player designed for children of all ages, younger and older. Rather than scrolling through apps or choosing another programme, children simply pop an audio card into the player and can listen to stories, music and educational content.

What I particularly like is how little effort is involved. Once children have chosen a card, they simply put it in the machine and then can settle down and listen. No adult help is required, or very little if children are very young.

That's particularly useful during those awkward hours between getting home and dinner, when everyone is tired but bedtime is still some way off and parents still have lots to do.

And there's plenty of choice of what to listen to. Yoto's ever-growing library contains more than 1,000 audio titles, covering stories, music and educational content. Younger children can listen to familiar favourites such as The Gruffalo and Paddington, while there are longer and more sophisticated stories waiting for them as they grow.

It's not limited to children's stories either. The library includes music from artists including The Beatles and the Spice Girls, which makes it something parents can enjoy with their children too.

That versatility is perhaps one of Yoto’s biggest strengths. It's an after-school activity now, but it can become a bedtime companion, a travel essential, a rainy-day distraction or simply something to reach for when children want a story.

And as autumn approaches, with darker evenings and more time spent indoors, having something that can fill those after-school hours without adding another screen could be particularly welcome.

Buy your Yoto player here.

• Please note that delivery charges may apply.