Cherry Orchard Primary School in Worcester held a get-together for Ukrainian families who attend other schools in The Rivers CofE Academy Trust.

Parents and children from Great Witley CofE Primary School, Heronswood Primary School in Kidderminster and Northwick Manor Primary School in Worcester joined children and parents from Cherry Orchard for a morning of games, crafting and play.

The event was organised by Cherry Orchard’s Headteacher, Karen Banford following an initial meeting between families at St Clement’s CofE Primary in Worcester and Cherry Orchard. That initial meeting enabled a Ukrainian parent at Cherry Orchard to help interpret and support a parent at St Clement’s in settling her son into school life. 

Headteacher, Karen Banford recognised how beneficial it would be for all the Ukrainian families in the trust to get together, network and help support each other through a challenging time of change.

The Ukrainian children were joined by year 6 children from Cherry Orchard’s school council. Together the children created a display of rainbow hands symbolising togetherness and played party games. For the Ukrainian children, it was an opportunity to have fun and speak and to other children in their first language.

It was a great opportunity for the Ukrainian parents to talk to others, share experiences, and widen their network of friends in the UK.   

The children were asked how they felt about their new schools, Year 6 pupil at Great Witley, Damien said he enjoyed school. Year 6 pupil at Cherry Orchard, Volodymyr acted as interpreter for the children who could not speak any English, he said the event was a good idea and he was very happy to be able to meet up with other Ukrainian children.

Volodymyr’s mother Iryna said of Cherry Orchard “it is a very happy and very nice school; children are calm here and it is a safe place. Iryna said that her son missed Ukraine but starting school has helped.