Willowbrook View, a new luxury care home in the Connaught Care Collection, recently created a nature-themed mural for Kingfisher CE Academy in Swindon to brighten one of its main corridors. It was designed and painted by staff from the home, who were enthusiastically assisted by a group of students, teachers, and parents over a marathon 2-week project.
The brainchild of Chris Guest, Customer Relationship Manager at Willowbrook View, it was intended as a bridge-building exercise to help deepen ties between the home and the school. In addition, the mural will help teach youngsters about all the rich wildlife around Wichelstowe canal; which is just a short walk from the school grounds.
The creation of the mural was documented in a video on Willowbrook View’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/61562331510752/videos/501678412968231
Sharon Bishop, Headteacher of Kingfisher CE Academy, was very pleased with the result:
“We are delighted with the work Chris and co. have done designing and painting the new mural. Watching the scene develop has been a talking point for all the children; from Nursery to Year 3! The children linked the image of trees planted by the canal to their own learning, and how as a community we are ‘Discovering and Learning together, so all can flourish’. Spotting the new animals and all the additions to the landscape have even inspired some budding young artists across the school!”
Willowbrook View, which will officially open its doors in early 2025, wants to be a cornerstone of the Wichelstowe community by building strong intergenerational connections. Last month, the home opened a community garden (also with Kingfisher CE Academy); a shared green space where residents and students can meet and grow their own flowers and vegetables together.
Both the mural and the garden are aimed at inspiring students to spend more time outdoors playing and experiencing nature. Studies show this kind of ‘outdoor learning’ can help foster essential life skills for school students; including improved communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Time in nature has also been found to reduce anxiety and emotional distress amongst children.
Chris Guest, Customer Relationship Manager at Willowbrook View, offers is thoughts:
“At Willowbrook View, we firmly believe in the idea of ‘community spirit’; and this mural is that philosophy in action. We were simply bowled away by the level of creativity and passion the kids brought to the project. These are truly some talented youngsters, and we can’t wait to keep working with Kingfisher on initiatives like the community garden once we open our doors.”
Willowbrook View will hold a sneak preview of the home at an event on 19 March 2025 between 5-7pm. To learn more or to register to attend, contact christopher.guest@willowbrookview.co.uk or call 01793 387950.
