Bingo Wins Over Parents and Pupils Amid School Lockdown

For many parents, keeping the kids entertained and out of trouble at home has been the biggest struggle during the lockdown period.

For one Cheshire school, the good old game of Bingo has been a hit with both parents and pupils.

Weaverham Forest Primary and Nursery School near Northwich was forced to closed because of the coronavirus earlier in March. However, staff have ensured that the pupils have been engaged with via bingo games.

School Community

Headteacher at the primary school Melissa Raynor explained:

“It’s been a really lovely way of keeping the school community together and having a bit of fun,” she said.

“We’re really missing our pupils, and it’s a nice way that we can all keep in touch and enjoy some time together outside of learning at home.

“We do it in the middle of the week at 3.30pm as a bit of light relief and it’s become a bit of a highlight for us and for the families at home.

“We’ve had a really lovely response from lots of families saying how much they’re enjoying it.”

Mrs Rayner is running the bingo games with the aid of colleague David Erne who calls out the numbers.

“We leave bingo cards by the school gate for families to collect if passing while taking their allocated daily exercise,” said Mrs Rayner.

“We have a proper bingo counter and use all the catch phrases, it’s very funny. It’s certainly been a bit of a learning curve, I can’t say I’m in my comfort zone. Put me in front of a classroom of 30 children and I’m in my element, but I’m definitely not destined for a career on social media!

“But it’s just been a lot of fun really, and that’s the main reason for us doing this, to keep our wonderful school community connected while we can’t all be together and to provide a bit of entertainment.”