More than 300 people attended the official launch of a new nursery at Nightingale House, the residential care home in South London, on Sunday.
The day introduced residents, family and the local community to the new Apples and Honey nursery, which is opening on-site in September. It will make the site the UK’s first co-located nursery and care home, providing an intergenerational curriculum that benefits young and old together.
The Mayor of Wandsworth, Cllr Jim Madden, officially cut the ribbon to open the nursery. Visitors had the chance to tour the nursery and meet staff. The Mayoress also attended.
There was face painting, balloon modelling and storytelling for the children, performances from Inspire Ballet and Dance and the Wimbledon Synagogue Choir and a truly intergenerational sports day for all.
Helen Simmons, Chief Executive at Nightingale Hammerson, said: “The family open day was a huge success – we had an excellent turnout, and everyone had a great day meeting residents and seeing the new nursery building.
“We are looking forward to taking the existing intergenerational work we do to a new level in September when the nursery opens.”
Judith Ish-Horowicz, co-founder of Apples and Honey Nightingale ,said: “This truly is a dream come true! After all the years of planning, we are excited that we can now develop a joint programme of activities for the children and our friends at Nightingale on a daily basis, watching the relationships grow and learning with and from each other.”