“IT has brought a calming effect to their busy fun-filled day at nursery.”

Inspired by the success of a joint pre-school and nursing home in America, a Timperley nursery and elderly care home have come together to bridge the generational gap.

Bright Horizons were touched by a well-known social media video which told the story of a pre-school and care home housed in the same building in Seattle.

The children and elderly residents interacted on a daily basis, playing games, singing, talking. The program aimed to counterbalance the loneliness and boredom that is rife in nursing facilities.

Bright Horizons nursery staff were keen to emulate this model and contacted Allingham House, an elderly and dementia care home in the village, who were happy come onboard.

The children have been making trips to the care home to play parachute games, ring games and rhyme time with the residents.

“We feel this experience teaches our children about learning values, learning to relate to others, develop respect and tolerance, help build children’s confidence and curiosity and teaches them to embrace others,” said Emma Dunsmore, deputy manager at Bright Horizons Timperley.

Emma added that staff at Allingham House said the residents also feel the benefit, giving them purpose to their day, encouraging quality interactions and positive relationships and giving them a sense of joy and happiness.

“We feel this is a wonderful experience to be shared across the community,” added Emma.

“Our children are really enjoying visiting the care home, they get excited when we announced our next visit.”

Emma said the feedback from parents has been great too.

“We have their full support in this as they too feel the benefits for both the children and the residents are brilliant,” she said.

“We are now going to make this a regular thing as we have been so overwhelmed with how the children have behaved around the residents. It has brought a calming effect to their busy fun-filled day at nursery.”