The Grove Pre-School Playgroup in Dorchester has re-established its pre-Covid relationship with Maiden Castle House care home.

The Grove Pre-School Playgroup and Maiden Castle House had strong links prior to Covid, and the two settings have now resumed their weekly activities. Children and practitioners visit every week to take part in planned intergenerational activities including arts and crafts, food, fun, exercise and games.

The activities are planned to fit into the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, and are free flowing so that the children and residents can participate as much or as little as they wish.

Claire Bowen, manager at The Grove Pre-School Playgroup, said: “The children are already enjoying their weekly visits to the home and love interacting with the residents.”

Emma Norman, activities lead at Maiden Castle House, said: “Watching the relationships develop between the different generations is wonderful and both the residents and children look forward to their visits. We have some lovely upcoming plans which include a teddy bears picnic before the end of term and further activities are in the pipeline from September. We cannot wait to continue watching this relationship go from strength to strength.”