Registration is already open for September 2022.

And the first Montessori class to take their tiny seats at Page One Childcare in Glanmire will also be among the first in Cork to benefit from a brilliant new programme that will see them enjoy regular interaction with the elderly residents of a nearby nursing home.

Currently under construction on the grounds of Aperee Living Glanmire, the flagship childcare facility will be introducing a Scandinavian model that encourages intergenerational activities, as featured on Channel 4’s adorable reality TV experiment Old People’s Home for 4-Year-Olds.

A few times a week, the kids at Page One will visit residents at Aperee Living for arts and crafts, nature walks and gardening, baking, storytelling, board games and dance classes.

“The elderly can accept a child without judgement, and children can help the elderly feel connected to the wider world,” a spokesperson for the project told Yay Cork.

“It reduces the sense of isolation and often gives them a new lease of life. We see generations growing apart and we’re eager to bring them back together.”

In children, the benefits of intergenerational activities have been proven to include improved verbal communication, enhanced self-esteem, problem solving and teamwork.

“Many residents would still have a green thumb from time spent in their own gardens so we plan on having vegetable patches which will be collectively maintained, teaching the next generation about where our food comes from, the importance of ecosystems and looking after the environment.”

Page One Childcare is currently accepting registrations for 2022 for children aged 12 weeks and up. An afterschool service for local primary schools is also due to open at the facility.

The business is also recruiting staff for September 2022 with qualifications in childcare and a minimum of 2 years’ experience. Register your interest here.