Learning and care environment
Bringing generations together to increase social connectedness and enhance well-being is a strategy that is receiving increased attention, particularly during these challenging times.
The Nursery in Belong is unique in that it has been intentionally designed to encourage care, learning and connection to multiple generations and to foster warm and nurturing cross-age relationships. Children and residents will interact in planned intergenerational experiences, as well as through informal encounters.
Learning and care environment
Bringing generations together to increase social connectedness and enhance well-being is a strategy that is receiving increased attention, particularly during these challenging times.
The Nursery in Belong is unique in that it has been intentionally designed to encourage care, learning and connection to multiple generations and to foster warm and nurturing cross-age relationships. Children and residents will interact in planned intergenerational experiences, as well as through informal encounters.
This nursery is so much more than a physical place – it is a shared space that is truly special for all ages.
Using an age-integrated rather than age-segregated approach, the Nursery in Belong is designed to strengthen the web of support that is so important for children, families and communities. Across the village, as well as in the Nursery, people of different ages are able to come together to learn, play, and grow.
This nursery is so much more than a physical place – it is a shared space that is truly special for all ages.
Using an age-integrated rather than age-segregated approach, the Nursery in Belong is designed to strengthen the web of support that is so important for children, families and communities. Across the village, as well as in the Nursery, people of different ages are able to come together to learn, play, and grow.
This nursery is so much more than a physical place – it is a shared space that is truly special for all ages.
I am delighted to see the development of this ground-breaking intergenerational nursery in Belong, Chester. No expense has been spared in terms of resources; all actions and pedagogy are research informed and I look forward to seeing what the future brings”
Dr Kay Heslop, Northumbria University
I am delighted to see the development of this ground-breaking intergenerational nursery in Belong, Chester. No expense has been spared in terms of resources; all actions and pedagogy are research informed and I look forward to seeing what the future brings”
Dr Kay Heslop, Northumbria University
Spending time outdoors
The nursery has its own outdoor garden and also has access to the lovely residents’ garden. Both areas have been carefully designed to encourage connection with nature and sensory stimulation through the careful choice of plants and trees. Special features have been added to allow children and older people to sit together, including a pergola area and cottage arbour.
To encourage healthy development, it is important for babies and children to have access to outdoor play every day, where they can be active and use their physical skills whilst also benefiting from fresh air and natural light. Outdoor areas are set up on a daily basis, making sure that age and stage appropriate activities are available for all children to explore. When in the residents’ garden, children will be involved in all aspects of gardening, vegetable growing, storytelling and imaginative adventures, alongside residents and carers.
Practitioners also take children and babies (in pushchairs) to the local amenities, which include walks to the local park and library and surrounding areas of the nursery, such as the fruit shop or pet shop. Such trips may also involve residents and children going out and about together to explore and engage with the local community.
Spending time outdoors
The nursery has its own outdoor garden and also has access to the lovely residents’ garden. Both areas have been carefully designed to encourage connection with nature and sensory stimulation through the careful choice of plants and trees. Special features have been added to allow children and older people to sit together, including a pergola area and cottage arbour.
To encourage healthy development, it is important for babies and children to have access to outdoor play every day, where they can be active and use their physical skills whilst also benefiting from fresh air and natural light. Outdoor areas are set up on a daily basis, making sure that age and stage appropriate activities are available for all children to explore. When in the residents’ garden, children will be involved in all aspects of gardening, vegetable growing, storytelling and imaginative adventures, alongside residents and carers.
Practitioners also take children and babies (in pushchairs) to the local amenities, which include walks to the local park and library and surrounding areas of the nursery, such as the fruit shop or pet shop. Such trips may also involve residents and children going out and about together to explore and engage with the local community.
