Under-construction Saffron Walden care home helps local children learn about safety

 

Saffron Walden’s upcoming care home, set to open in spring 2026, has been teaching local children about the importance of staying safe.

Care UK’s Bailey Lodge, on Radwinter Road, donated 90 high-vis jackets to pupils from R A Butler Academy to help keep them safe and visible on school outings.

The purpose-built care home, which will provide residential, dementia and respite care for the local community, is currently under construction and due to open its doors next year. The Care UK team donated the high-vis jackets to the school to open up conversations around safety – whether that be on a construction site or out and about when walking to and from school. 

Once open, Bailey Lodge will host frequent activities and events for residents and the local community, often involving children from schools and nurseries. Intergenerational relationships offer significant benefits to both older and younger individuals, fostering meaningful connections and allowing them to share and learn from each other’s experiences.

Emma Vincent, Headteacher at R A Butler Academy said, "We are delighted to receive the generous donation of high-vis jackets for all our reception children. They will be great for the walks we do into town when we go to visit the library."

“We've also been invited to come up with names for some of the new suites at Bailey Lodge and can't wait to see the creative ideas the children come up with!”

Jake Higgins, Development Project Manager at Care UK, said: “As we progress with the construction of Bailey Lodge, we were keen to join forces with R A Butler Academy as part of our ongoing commitment to playing an active role in our community and building relationships with our new neighbours.

“We understand the importance of safety and were keen to educate the youngsters of Saffron Walden on the value of PPE, and how it can help to keep us safe – whether that’s walking home from school or working on a construction site. 

“It was wonderful to meet some of the pupils in person, and maybe even inspire one or two to consider a career in the sector – whether that’s in construction or a care home role.”

Designed to allow residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Care UK’s new Bailey Lodge care home will incorporate plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, with its own cinema room, hair and beauty salon and even a pub. The layout of the building will be configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities. Full-time residential and dementia care will be provided, as well as short-term respite care.