Pupil and resident get-togethers 'sparking joy'
Regular visits by pupils of Northgate Primary School in Bridgwater to a neighbouring dementia care home are ‘sparking joy’ all round according to their teachers and the care workers at Avalon Nursing Home.
Children from Reception class through to Year 4 visited Avalon frequently last term, enjoying a variety of activities alongside the residents, including baking, craft and pet therapy.
They are now in the process of contributing to a sensory garden being organised for the home, which involves the children in potting plants and painting pebbles and butterflies.
Northgate headteacher, Katie Penny, said: “While the children are having a lovely time doing a variety of activities alongside residents they absorb an understanding of what it’s like to live with dementia, and learn something about care of the elderly, plus some basic life skills.
“And our regular visits clearly give residents something different to focus on and contribute to their happiness and wellbeing, so everybody benefits.
“Years 5 and 6 will be visiting too this term.”
Avalon’s activities co-ordinator, Lisa Priddice, said: “One of our ladies used to work in a school as a teaching assistant so she attends every visit and loves working with the children: it reminds her of her teaching days. She will often be seen showing the students how to do a task and has a great rapport with them.
“We also have a resident who used to be a professional football player for Ipswich. He loves chatting with the children about his football career – and they find it fascinating and have all been really engaged from the start.
“Watching relationships blossom between the two age groups is a wonderful thing: over the course of their visits residents and students have had some beautiful moments sharing interests and experiences, each learning something from one another.
“Residents often ask when the pupils are coming again - they remember their visits well.
“We have been developing a lovely showcase of the children’s artwork in our corridor, and the residents often look at the pictures with us and marvel at the creations they have made together.”
Northgate School’s visits to Avalon Nursing Home are part of a busy programme of activities arranged for the residents. The home is run by award-winning dementia care provider Camelot Care who have other homes in Plymouth, Taunton and Yeovil.
