Children in Year 5 at Thornton Primary Academy have been linking with residents at Rose Cottage Care Home for a year.  Children started by making cards for the residents to introduce themselves, helping to ease initial nerves. The children planned a selection of crafts to do together with the older people during their visits which provided an excellent basis to get to know each other better. 

Some of the residents have also been into school to visit the children in their classroom which was a unique and exciting opportunity for some of the older people. Leonard, a resident at Rose Cottage said, “I liked it in school. It was good to see their classroom.”

 The children and older people then celebrated their year of Intergenerational Linking at a garden party at the care home where they played games, sang and chatted. 

The children have thoroughly enjoyed their year: “I like talking to the people here. It’s so nice to spend time with them.” (Year 5 child, Thornton Road Primary School)

Rajal, owner of Rose Cottage has been amazed by the joy and positive impact that Intergenerational Linking has had: “We just cannot believe the impact that this has had on our residents. When we say to them, “The School children are visiting,” they’re super super excited, it’s transformed our home. A huge heartfelt thank you from Rose Cottage.”