The manager of an award-winning nursery has described how they have kept up the special relationship with residents at a local nursing home.
Sarah Hickling, manager at Cherubs Day Nursery in Edwinstowe, Mansfield, said it has been a tough year for the children not being able to see the residents at the nursing home just a few streets away.
But Sarah said the children have kept up their special bond with the residents by sending them pictures and messages.
Sarah said: “Before March, we had regular visits to the nursing home, we have a really close relationship with them.
“We would take the children when the home had a 60’s singer on and they would all dance along with the residents. Earlier this year the residents came to us for a Valentine’s tea.
“One of the residents was so excited, his face lit up and he said it had made his day.
“It makes it worthwhile for us and the children, it really is amazing.”
Cherubs Day Nursery was shortlisted for a national award earlier this year, placing in the top five nurseries in the country.
Sarah said they had been nominated for the Community Nursery of the Year award for their work in the local area.
Sarah added: “We haven’t been able to see the residents at the home since lockdown but we do video call them with the children.
“The children love it, they get so much out of it. Some children don’t have grandparents so having that special bond is so important and the enjoyment we all get out of it is special.”
Despite the difficult year working through a pandemic, Sarah said staff at the nursery will always try to look at the positive side of things.
She said: “We like to be different and look on the bright side. Two children have been to deliver colouring pictures to residents at the home and our elf went to stay there for the night too.
“We’ve tried the best we can to keep the relationship going and make sure we can lessen the impact this virus has on us.”
