From five to 95 - all-age activities with Spring Grove School
Most Friday mornings, a group of children from Reception class at Spring Grove School put on their wellies to walk with their teachers across the field that separates the school from the nearby village of Wye, in Kent. Their destination is the Brambles Care Home, a modern, family-run home that cares for up to 28 elderly residents.
Aims
Since the start of their regular visits, teachers and staff have watched the children grow in confidence as they engage with the elderly residents. The interaction from both sides is lovely to see, and for the children it is a great opportunity to learn how to socialise - to speak clearly and to listen.
The visits promote emotional wellbeing on both sides: as one staff member put it: “The residents light up when the children enter the room…”. Equally, the children return to school eager to share their experiences, and to tell their stories.
Background
Children from Spring Grove have visited Brambles for many years, to sing carols at Christmas, and to bring Harvest gifts. But it was while watching the Channel 4 programme ‘Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds’ that an idea came to Mrs Hilary Jones, Head of Music at Spring Grove School, to take the already existing link between Spring Grove and the Brambles a step further, and through regular visits to foster more long-term relationships between residents and children.
The children have been making their visits since early in 2019, and it is now a regular part of their routine - and a highly anticipated event for young and old alike.
Resources
Each week there is an activity for the residents and children to undertake together, whether it’s singing songs, learning about weaving with Wye Community Farm, reading and telling stories, flower arranging, or making friendship cards.
Impact
Mrs Jones commented: “I have been delighted with the positive comments from children and residents alike, who after only a few visits, greet each other warmly. The conversations flow more freely and the children’s energy and enthusiasm encourages the residents to get involved in the activities. Despite the age range of 90+ years, it is wonderful to see how both young and old interact and gain such joy from the experiences.”
Pupil Involvement
The visits involve children from the Reception class at Spring Grove School.
Frequency
The children make regular (fortnightly) visits, and the commitment to the school's partnership with the Brambles Care Home is ongoing.
