Pre-School Minors Visit Residents at Granville Care Home

As we approach the season of goodwill, giving and joy the children and staff in Pre-School Minors planned to share the festive period with those who may otherwise miss out on various Christmas traditions.

The children at Daisykins Day Nursery in Rugby visit Granville Care Home each year and always ensure they schedule time at the such a busy point in the year to spend an afternoon with those who may not otherwise hear Christmas Carols in person, meet young children or have the chance to socialise with people other than those they are living with. It’s a valuable experience for all involved and the staff are extremely proud of the children for their impeccable behaviour through-out the outing. 

With the aim of sharing one of their most loved festivities with the residents, the children eagerly set off from the nursery to spread their Christmas cheer. Despite having practised their favourite Christmas songs since the middle of November in preparation for their visit to Granville Care Home, the children felt it was necessary for one last sing a long on their way. The sound of 'Incy Wincy Spider Climbed up the Christmas Tree' rang down Whitehall Road, followed by the sound of little footsteps along the pavement.

They were greeted with a friendly welcome and were shown into the living room where smiles appeared across the faces of the residents as they waved to their new friends, of the children as they prepared themselves to sing and of the staff as they observed this precious moment.

After introducing themselves collectively, explaining where they were visiting from, the children began to sing one of their most popular Christmas hits; 'Jingle Bells'. It wasn't long before the residents, the care home staff and the practitioners were all joining in!

The children sang various Christmas Carols to the residents, encouraging them to join in the fun! Natalie, our Makaton trained specialist, led the children in the carols, supporting the children to sign each song whilst they sang. One of the children even took it upon themselves to try and teach the residents the Makaton signs to the well-known hit 'Jingle Bells'! We were delighted to see their hands moving as they tried to copy Natalie's movements.

After singing various Christmas carols, including 'When Santa Got Stuck up the Chimney', 'Christmas Pudding' and 'Father Christmas', the children moved around the room, introducing themselves to each lady and gentleman that sat around them. Some children offered high fives, others shook their hands and some even offered the residents a hug!

This was a fantastic experience for the children and had a big impact on their Personal, Social and Emotional Development and their Communication and Language. Not only did the children make new friends, but they also learnt about different ways of interacting with the residents dependant on their needs, showing care, concern and affection. The children expanded upon their vocabulary, extending their sentences to communicate further, asking various questions and by retelling stories of their past experiences.

This heartwarming outing taught the children a vital lesson about socialisation. They gained confidence as time went by, asking the residents for their name, what they would like for Christmas and what they like to do at the care home. One child suggested that the 71 year old visited the nursery’s soft play area! 

The afternoon was a great success with smiles, laughter and echoes of Christmas carols surrounding the walls of the care home. The children made some fantastic relationships with the residents and we are already planning another visit to reunite them with their newly acquainted friends! Be sure to keep looking on our website to read all about their next outing!