Back Together Again – Nursery Children Spread Joy at Braintree Care Home

Children from a Bocking nursery were back visiting delighted elderly residents of a nearby care home after more than two years away.

After the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to visits, youngsters from Scallywags Nursery in Church Street returned to The New Deanery to enjoy colouring pictures with residents and singing.

The home’s Activities Manager Jo Whitehouse also arranged a special treat, introducing friendly Shih Tzu dogs Lilly and Lola, belonging to Head of Maintenance Mark Wadforth, to delight young and old alike.

New Deanery resident Shirley Bonner described the visit as a “magical morning” while Heather Page added: “It was lovely to see the children again after such a long time, the little boy with me was such a dear and didn’t leave my side.”

Resident Terry Stubbs said: “It was fantastic to see the little ones, they bring in the sunshine and laughter.”

Jo said: “Our residents have really missed the chatter and smiling faces of the nursery children, who were regular visitors before the pandemic. It has been a tough two years and we were thrilled to welcome our young visitors back.”

Scallywags Nursery Manager Tina Childs said: “The children loved being able to go back into the home after the pandemic restrictions and to be able to sing with the residents. They didn’t want to leave – they loved the residents and especially loved the peacocks in the grounds.”

Julia Clinton, CEO of Sonnet Care Homes, which runs the New Deanery and its sister nursing home St Mary’s Court, said: “It was a really special day for our team and our residents. Although we are still following enhanced hygiene practices and a few remaining Covid-19 precautions, it is lovely to open our doors again and get back to enjoying a full programme of activities.”