Local care home resident returns to teaching

A resident at a care home in Ferndown stepped back into the classroom to celebrate World Teacher Day.

When retired-headteacher, Amy Archer aged 90, and a resident at Ferndown Manor, on Golf Links Road, expressed a longing to get back in the classroom, team members knew that they needed to make it happen. 

Amy began her career as a primary school teacher in 1960 at Summerbee Junior School in Bournemouth, before going on to become the Head Teacher at Winton Junior School where she remained in post for ten years. She retired in 2013, after 53 years spent teaching.

The team arranged for Amy and her fellow residents to visit Parley First School, where Amy got stuck into activities with the pupils. Everyone took part in a building session with Lego and colouring with the children. She also shared stories of her time as a Head Teacher, and how things have changed.

The visit was part of Care UK’s ‘Wishing Tree’ Initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past career or try something completely new – from flying a plane to enjoying a night at the opera, no wish is too big or small.

Speaking about the day, Amy said: “The best part about being back in the classroom was seeing the children. I loved visiting the school; it brought back very fond memories and I would very much like to do it again.” 

Sara Muslin, Home Manager at Ferndown Manor said: “It was wonderful to mark World Teacher Day with our very own Ms Archer, who loves to talk about her time being a Head Teacher. The children and team at Parley First School gave her a very warm welcome and Amy has not stopped smiling since. 

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their passions and ambitions and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Amy’s always sharing stories from her teaching career, so she was delighted to be able to go back and relive those fond memories.

“Thank you to the team here at Ferndown Manor and everyone at the school who helped make this such a fabulous day!”

Ferndown Manor has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives in a luxury environment. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care. The care home also boasts its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is also plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.