We are so grateful for the funding we have received for this project and the early years garden. It has had a transformative impact, enriching the children’s learning experiences, enabling them to foster a deeper connection with the natural world. This initiative has provided opportunities for hands-on learning and encouraged the children to take responsibility for their environment, building valuable skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
The garden has become a vibrant, outdoor learning space, sparking curiosity and joy among the children. With the support of the funding, we were able to expand the range of plants grown, allowing the children to be directly involved in cultivating vegetables, fruits, and herbs. The excitement was palpable as the children harvested ripe tomatoes, dug up potatoes, and picked fresh raspberries. Exploring the aromas of mint and thyme added another sensory dimension to their experiences. These moments were not only educational but also instilled a sense of accomplishment and pride in their efforts.
Inspired by their experiences, many children brought plants from home to contribute to the garden, demonstrating their enthusiasm and ownership of the project. They eagerly learned how to care for these plants, developing a strong sense of responsibility and teamwork. The garden has also sparked a love for gardening beyond school, with children asking to plant seeds at home, carrying their newfound knowledge and passion into their own families.
This project has highlighted the importance of connecting children with nature beyond forest school. It has allowed us to show the children how we can bring nature into our own environments. It has also taught them how to nurture plants, understand where food comes from, and appreciate the environment around them. The funding has not only made these experiences possible but has also fostered a community of young gardeners who care deeply about their surroundings and the world they are growing up in. This initiative will have a lasting impact, creating meaningful learning opportunities for years to come.
We aim to continue to enhance our children’s love for the outdoors this year as we have incorporated lesson plans from Trees for Cities into our curriculum. In reception, children take part in garden focussed activities which develops their knowledge and relationship with the outdoor environment. The early years children have begun spreading their outdoor passions into another playground this year and have enjoyed positioning and planting hardy shrubs (as it’s near a pitch!) and herbs. Our Forest School leader has been really impressed with the children's increasing knowledge and is enhancing the lesson plans to further the children's understanding.
Hi Queens Park Team! You have now completed your challenge congratulations!! Lastthing to do is to add your payment details ... If you are struggling with that step fo reach out to Change x for support!
Please do remember to add a team photo! Also since it is your second project within the school please can you ask someone else from your team to because an admin as Change X has specific rules for multiple projects and how it is run. Thank you!
Hi Louise, that sounds great. Please kindly email [email protected] to let them know about this change of admin...they need you email to get misdone. Also if you would like to get started straight away if you make sure the bank details are sent through you can get a few orders through before the half term!
Hello Pascale, I am happy to be the admin for this project. Thank you
Action plan:
Timeline: When will you be able to start your project? Straight away or after easter
How often will your team meet?Once a wekk
Are there any key dates to share for the project? Not right now - parents engagemen possibly weekly with SEN children
Budget: You don't need to share exact prices, but please share how you're planning to spend the seed funding & what costs you're anticipating to get your project up and running:
- Trellis for the back wall (£300)
- Climbing plants/vegteables/scentd herbs (sweet peas, rasberries...) £300
- Green plants and free trees around the garden: £300
- 3xVeg trugs (£400)
- Garden materias: soil, equipement £200
Impact: How will your community benefit from this project?Do you have any measurable goal for your project, such as the number of people that will participate? Are you hoping to spread knowledge or increase interest in a specific subject?
Children learn about food to table, sensory processing, Developing a love of the outdoor, developing a sense of patience, nuturing the environment.
Through this process, they will develop a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
We are aiming to include about 20-50 families within the school year.
Location: If your project requires physical space, have you decided the location? Do you have all necessary permission and permits to carry out your project at the chosen location?
Yes its within the school. we have all permission
Additional questions
Please answer the questions below as much as you can.
Growing Space will review the information you provide before your kickstart call.
This will help save time and get you started straight on your project once you receive your seed funding!
Age group of those involved in the project: 3-6
Number of children/adults the project will benefit:
Future activities: describe the activities you aim to run in the future with your Growing Space (for example: gardening, forest school, herb tasting with parents/neighbours/extended families of children/elderly people, etc.): see above: planting, sowing, sensory experience and everything in relation to gardening activities with SEN children
Material/trees: what trees/structure(s) or features do you already have in site? (if none, just answer 'none'): a small greenhouse, some outdoor mud kitchen material
Does your site have water access? yes
Do you want to install a water butt (not obligatory) no
Please confirm in one sentence that you have permission from a manager or landlord (of the building or head of a school (as necessary) saying that they are happy to make the improvement of their outdoor space and let you lead the project yes
What is the exact measurement/size of the proposed space for your My Mini Growing Space? 3mx 5m
Please upload a few pictures of the site and from different angles (ideally 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon, when the sun is out)" got it
What time of the day does the space get the most sun and for how long? 11.30-2.30pm
If you have the plans, a sketch, or a rough drawing of the space you intend to use, please upload it as part of your Action Plan
That’s all for now!
We are excited to get you started!
