Children at a primary academy in Wakefield have been showing their community spirit by sharing a picnic with residents at Ashby Lodge Residential Home.

The children at Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate enjoy a good relationship with the residents at the Leeds Road-based Residential Home, having previously donated Christmas Cheers boxes to them and sent them Easter cards.

The latest collaboration between the two saw the Nursery and Reception children at the Canal-Lane based primary academy take part in a virtual ‘Big Picnic’ with some of the residents via Zoom. 

The school had previously provided the treats for the picnic to the Ashby Lodge residents, after they were kindly donated by Morrisons, parents of the children involved, and staff at Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate.

Lynsey Hadfield, Principal at the Canal Lane-based primary academy, said:

“At Outwood we believe strongly in the importance of good community links. We want our children to develop into good citizens who contribute to their communities and events like this help to achieve this aim.

“We are thankful to all the parents and staff, and of course Morrisons, for their lovely and kind donations to help make this event such a success. The children really enjoyed talking with the residents, albeit virtually, and we look forward to being able to do this in person in the future.”

The event was linked to the primary academy’s OPA Diploma, a nationally recognised and award-winning initiative. This half-term, the children are focussing on how to actively contribute to the local community as part of their diploma work.

Paula Mathery, Manager of Ashby Lodge, said: “Once again the children have done themselves proud and made our residents smile, and a few tears. We can't thank the staff and children enough for all the things they do to bring a smile to their lives at this difficult time.

“Thank you to all the children and staff for our afternoon tea and for the families who donated and made the cupcakes for staff. It was all delicious. Thank you also to Morrisons for the fruit hamper they donated.”