Coventry: Pupils' lively dance show brings joy to centre for people with dementia

One of the amazing routines

Talented youngsters at a Coventry primary school received a standing ovation after their dance talents brought plenty of smiles to people living with dementia and their families.

Pupils at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Primary School, part of the Romero Catholic Academy, visited the Dementia Partnership Hub in Holbrooks during the last week of term, impressing the audience with a series of energetic routines.

Their performances, including a routine showing their support for the England football team, were warmly received, with the audience rising to give the young dancers a standing ovation.

The dance team has performed at a range of school events during the year and has become a real strength of the school, helping pupils develop confidence, teamwork and performance skills.

The trip forms part of an ongoing relationship between the school and the Dementia Partnership Hub, which has developed over a number of visits.

During previous visits, pupils have sung carols, read to visitors and played games including dominoes and Connect 4, helping to build positive relationships while broadening their understanding of the lives and experiences of others beyond the classroom.

Children at the school have also recently donated more than £200 to support activities at the hub after raising the money through cake sales as part of the school's charity work linked to Catholic Social Teaching.

The fundraising helped pupils understand the importance of supporting others in their local community.

Lorraine Stanton, Executive Head Teacher at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Primary School, said: "We are incredibly proud of the dance team and the joy they brought to everyone at the Dementia Partnership Hub.

"They performed with so much energy, confidence and care, and it was wonderful to see the response from the audience.

"The team has worked hard throughout the year and developed strong confidence, teamwork and performance skills, so it was lovely to be able to share those talents with visitors at the hub.

"Our visits to the hub and other parts of the community are an important part of school life. They give our pupils the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and understand how spending time together, sharing a performance or simply having a conversation can make a real difference.

"The cake sales and wider charity work also help children put Catholic Social Teaching into practice by supporting others in their local community.

"We are very grateful to everyone at the hub for making us feel so welcome, and we are already looking forward to visiting again."