Oldham primary school's acts of kindness for care home

Pupils at Alexandra Park Junior School have been trying to improve Christmas for their local community, starting with a nearby care home. 

Children from the Brook Lane school normally visit Abbey Hey care home to sing for the residents, and staff at the Delamere Street home have previously commented on how much it cheers the residents up. 

This year, the children really understood how important their act of kindness would be.

Samantha Nicholson-Hickling, Year 5 class teacher and PSHE Leader, said: "We talked to the children about how they felt missing their grandparents. Everyone understood how hard it has been to be separated from their loved ones during the pandemic.

"We also discussed how hard it would be to be away from them at Christmas too due to staying safe. The children were determined to do something nice. We had planned to go and visit the care home and sing from the pavement, however we weren't able to do this."

Not a group of children to be put off, music teacher Mrs Wainwright organised for the children to be filmed doing a mini carol concert which could then be played for the residents.

She said: "We had the idea to film it so that the residents could enjoy the singing pick me up, without any Covid-19 risks. The children were really enthusiastic and tried their best. They really understood how it was something that would brighten someones day."

Year 5 pupils were chosen to be part of filming as they have been having music lessons during this half-term. 

On top of the children's kindness, the school are donating their tree and hand-made decorations on Friday to the home. It is something they do most years to ensure the care home has a real Christmas tree over the festive period.

One year 5 pupil said: "It's nice to do something for someone else. Even if we didn't like to sing it would be really selfish to not try and brighten someones day. It could make their year if they haven't seen their family. It's a bit like we're being their grandchildren for a day."

Mrs Nicholson-Hickling added: "Our children make me so proud as they are very selfless. They recognise that we are in a fortunate position and many of us will see our families over the festive period. They were keen to bring a bit of sunshine and smiles to others who may be feeling sad due to missing their families."