Worthing nursery and care home become pen pals after visits had to stop

Children at a Worthing nursery are missing seeing their friends at a nearby care home but they are keeping in touch through pictures and messages.
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Before lockdown, Sion Nursery had regularly visited St Mary’s Residential Care Home as part of the school’s outreach programme.

The neighbours in Westbrooke have not been able to see each others for a while and the care home residents wrote to the children to say how much they missed them.

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Tamara Pearson, assistant head at Our Lady of Sion School and head of the junior school, said: “At Sion, even our youngest pupils are introduced to our ethos with our motto ‘consideration always’ and take part in the intergenerational project which is part of our community outreach programme.

Some of the Sion children with pictures and messages for their friends at nearby St Mary's Residential Care HomeSome of the Sion children with pictures and messages for their friends at nearby St Mary's Residential Care Home
Some of the Sion children with pictures and messages for their friends at nearby St Mary's Residential Care Home

“Our nursery children have gained so much from their visits to St Mary’s and have loved sharing their stories and experiences. We very much look forward to continuing with these visits as soon as we are able.”

There has been a stream of correspondence, including the children sending pictures and letters, to keep up the relationship during lockdown.

Amie Gatland, activities co-ordinator at St Mary’s, said: “The residents here always enjoyed when the children used to visit and it fills them with joy when they get letters and pictures from them.

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“It’s very nice that they have been able to maintain their contact through this difficult time, as it has really made a difference for them.”

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