BBC Songs of Praise Celebrates Intergenerational Nursery at Chester Care Village

The BBC's much-loved programme *Songs of Praise* recently turned its cameras on an inspiring example of community cohesion at Belong Chester. The filming captured the unique Ready Generations nursery, an integrated facility where early years children share their learning environment with residents of the care village. This intergenerational model creates daily opportunities for meaningful interaction between the youngest and oldest members of the community, fostering mutual understanding and combating social isolation through shared activities and spaces. Intergenerational practice such as this represents an innovative approach to early years provision, aligning with broader goals of creating connected communities and maximising public assets. For local authorities exploring new models of childcare and family support, the Ready Generations concept offers a template for how nursery provision can serve dual purposes—supporting child development and school readiness whilst simultaneously enhancing the wellbeing of older residents. The national television coverage highlights growing recognition of such schemes as valuable community resources that deliver significant social value. From a policy perspective, this initiative sits at the intersection of early years education, adult social care, and community development. As councils face increasing pressure to deliver efficient yet high-quality services, integrated models that break down silos between age groups present compelling opportunities for preventative investment. The episode demonstrates how thoughtful design of children's services can create ripple effects across the whole community, supporting the foundational early years whilst enriching the lives of older generations and reducing demand on statutory services.