St Benet’s MAT News

The Headteacher, Miss Laura Richardson, said: “At St Mary’s Church of England Junior Academy we feel it is important to build relationships with our local community and it’s fantastic for our children to meet the residents of these two wonderful local care homes.  The smiles on the resident’s faces and the joy the children bring to them is beautiful.”

She explained: “We were approached by Harker House as part of an intergenerational workshop.  The children learn about the wider world and the interdependence of communities within it and how they can take part more fully in school and community activities.  It is important for us to be active citizens in Long Stratton and give back to the local community. This has enabled our pupils to communicate with people within our community, actively participating in the community.”

In turn, these visits develop good relationships and teach our pupils to respect the differences between people, preparing them for playing an active role as citizens and developing confidence and responsibility.

Suzanna Welstead, Wellbeing Coordinator at Harker House, said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to the staff and children who visited Harker House this morning. It was an absolute pleasure to have them with us. Such lovely and respectful young people, who are a credit to the school. Our staff and residents were overjoyed with the friendliness and care they showed. To say they have brightened up their day is an understatement. Thank you once again for making this possible.  We are looking forward to the next visit.”

Some of the Year 4 children were invited along to Harker House Residential Home to enjoy Easter crafts and refreshments with the residents. They all had a lovely time, making crafts, talking to the residents and singing a song for them.