Shared Easter joy as pupils and care home residents meet day-old chicks in Downham Market

A group of youngsters were given an early Easter surprise on Friday when they were introduced to day-old chicks at a care home.

Reception class pupils from Nelson Academy in Downham enjoyed spending time with the little chicks at Downham Grange care home, run by Kingsley Healthcare.

The visit also provided an opportunity for the children and the residents to socialise – something that the school’s assistant principal says will be repeated in the future.

Staff and residents had been keeping a close eye on the chicken eggs since they were brought into the home, on Clackclose Road, last Monday.

Resident Pat Fenton, who is pictured with some of the pupils and one of the chicks, said: “They began to break through the shells yesterday. You could hear the tapping of their beaks.”

Academy assistant principal Gemma Sykes said seeing the chicks close-up had been an amazing experience for the pupils.

She said: “They have loved coming here and chatting to the residents and we will be planning more interactive sessions in the future.”

The home’s activities coordinator Frankie Chandler said the visit was beneficial for the residents, as well as the pupils, as it can help them reflect on positive times.

Frankie said: “It can bring back lots of happy memories for our residents when children come into the home.”

The home is looking forward to inviting the pupils back for a picnic during the summer term, she added.

The home is inviting families along to its free Easter egg hunt on Good Friday, April 19, from 2pm.

The event, in the home’s garden, will also include an Easter raffle and refreshments.

To find out more about Downham Grange, call the home on 01366 387054 or visit www.kingsleyhealthcare.co.uk.