Care home residents go back to school with past-time puddings
Mount Croft Care Home in Bromsgrove turned back the clock, with a special community “Back to School” event, designed to spark memories, laughter and connection among its residents and the local community.
Team members transformed the 72-bed care home on Birmingham Road into a classic school hall, complete with nostalgic décor, traditional school dinners, carers dressed up in school uniforms and a singer performing old school classics.
93-year-old resident, Jean Haines said, “I liked the social side and how we all got together, I also enjoyed the singer who sang all the old songs, and the food was lovely.”
Residents were closely involved in shaping the day, which was open to the local community, handpicking their favourite childhood puddings such as school cake, pink custard, and hedgehog buns to take everyone back to yesteryears.
The building itself carries its own legacy in Bromsgrove. Once a Victorian primary school, it welcomed children aged 2–11 from 1957 until 2004 before being carefully redeveloped into the modern, purpose-built care home that opened its doors in March 2025.
Community guest and relative, Vicky Barnett added, “My favourite thing about the event was everyone joining in together with all the residents and staff, wonderful, nostalgic food and great company.
“it reminded me of when I was at school and how much I enjoyed it.”
The day was more than just fun, it was also rooted in reminiscence therapy, an approach that helps older people, especially those living with dementia, reconnect with cherished memories and engage in meaningful conversations.
Home manager at Mount Croft, Lisa Dews said, “We all had such a fantastic afternoon – the residents loved it and the staff were in high spirits making it a wonderful day for all.
“Events like this help residents feel connected not only to their own childhoods but also to the wider community and history here in Bromsgrove.
“Conversations around old school dinners sparked lots of engagement and conversations about the residents’ experience of their own schooling – it’s been lovely to be part of creating more memories for them.”
Back to school at Mount Croft is one of many local events the home hosts to ensure the site remains a prominent part of the local community in Bromsgrove.