top of page

GARDEN EXPECTATIONS

Speaking with a number of schools, each school has a diffeent reason for investing in a school garden. ( or even a community garden!)

All gardens need investment - as much as capital costs they also need person power! Here are a few areas to discuss before you invest time and money in a school garden so you know the level of support needed and what a garden needs to be its best and reach its potiential.

WHY HAVE A SCHOOL GARDEN? WHAT IS THE DRIVER FOR THE SCHOOL?​

  • FOOD SECURITY

  • EDUCATIONAL

  • GROWING AND COOKING CONNECTION

  • SUSTAINABILITY

  • EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITY

  • AESTHETICS OF GREEN SPACE

  • OUTDOOR CLASSROOM/ LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

WHAT WILL THE LEAD TEACHER NEED?​

  • WEEKLY TIME SLOTS FOR MAINTENANCE

  • WEEKLY TIME SLOTS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

  • SUPPORT FROM OTHER TEACHERS ATLEAST THREE TIMES A YEAR

  • CAN WE GET VOLUNTEERS TO SUPPORT THE GARDEN? DBS CHECK, ETC?

  • CAN THERE BE EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES?

  • LINKS TO LOCAL BUSINESSES

  • BUDGET FOR ESSENTIALS ( IS THERE LOCAL GRANTS THE SCHOOLS CAN APPLY FOR?)

AREAS FOR CLARIFICATION:​

  • CAPACITY- WHICH SCHOOLS TERMS, WHEN AND DURATION

  • ANY BUDGET SUPPORT?

  • LOCAL FUNDING SUPPORT?

  • DONATIONS FROM LOCAL COMMUNITY?

  • ARE CORPORATE VOLUNTEER DAYS OR PARENT DAYS POSSIBLE?

  • WHAT HAPPENS IN SUMMER HOLIDAYS?

  • SUPPORT FROM ESTATES/ CARE TAKING TEAM

  • INVOLVEMENT FROM OTHER TEACHERS

  • WHAT HAPPENS WITH PRODUCE - COOKING CLASS, COMMUNITY/ SCHOOL FRIDGE, FOOD BANKS, TAKE HOME?

  • WHAT WILL HAPPEN ABOUT GREEN SPACE CONTRACTORS?

It is ideal to discuss the school garden with headteachers, heads of year, SENCO and business/ estates manager, to get agreement for all the above

bottom of page