Birchwood Heights Intergenerational Scheme Gives Youngsters Reading Confidence

Birchwood Heights Intergenerational Scheme Gives Youngsters Reading Confidence

Young bookworms in Swanley are developing their reading skills thanks to the support of care home residents.

Children from Horizon Primary Academy make the short journey along Hilda May Avenue to Birchwood Heights care home where they enjoy freshly baked cookies and a drink to fuel their reading. The children read aloud to the residents who provide encouragement and help with challenging or new words.

“The environment is so inviting!” said class teacher, Michelle Sutherland.  “The children are really welcomed in and treated with such care.  The home offers a calm atmosphere and they can’t wait to go each time.  These children are struggling readers, but visiting the home and being received so kindly really makes them feel special and that reading is something to be celebrated.”

Birchwood Heights care home offers residential, nursing, memory and respite care for up to 77 people.  Its Lifestyles Manager, Theresa Doody, said the residents benefit from the scheme too.

“It’s a lovely time for everyone.  The sessions came about because one of our senior care assistants has children at the school and she thought there would be huge benefits for both of us by developing some intergenerational activities.  We invited Michelle to come and visit Birchwood Heights and we decided the residents could really make an impact for children who are not so confident with their reading.”

Small groups of children take it in turns to visit the home.  Resident, Maureen Benson, 86, enjoys being able to help. “It’s a real pleasure to see the children and listen to them read,” she said.  “I love being able to support them with their reading and give something back.”

Daniel, who’s in Year 4 said; “I really like going over to Birchwood Heights.  I liked sitting with Jill, who loves reading, because she was laughing and really enjoying listening to me.  It made me feel happy.”

10 year old Skye said the visit made her feel special. “It was really nice because it makes me feel like the residents like to see the younger ones and it reminds them of their childhood.”

The children will continue to visit until the end of the summer term, by which time Michelle thinks their skills will have significantly improved. “The children have been buzzing and keep asking when we are going to go back,” she added.  “I could see how much their confidence grew even just in that visit.

“The wonderful residents really boosted the children with their enthusiasm and heartfelt praise.  I can’t thank the care home enough for establishing this link.  This is what makes our job so special.”

Discover more about Birchwood Heights Care Home