Maiden Castle House care home in Dorchester has re-established its pre-Covid relationship with a local pre-school.

The Care South home had strong links with The Grove Pre-School Playgroup before the pandemic, and the two settings have now resumed their relationship. Children and their teachers visit every week to take part in planned activities including arts and crafts, food, fun, exercise and games.

The activities that the preschool children get involved with are planned in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and are designed to be engaging for all, but free flowing so that the children and residents can participate as much or as little as they wish.

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.”

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.”

One resident at Maiden Castle House commented: “I love the visits from The Grove Pre-School Playgroup. It is truly wonderful being able to learn new things from them and to be able to teach them new things too. It brings a smile to my face.”