The Northumberland Roots and Shoots Schools Programme is now an established programme at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland. Led by The Alnwick Garden the programme aims to offer children in selected schools an opportunity to learn how to grow, tend and harvest food for consumption.
Whilst the individual pupils gain a huge amount of knowledge through the visits, the learning is additionally aimed at helping schools set up gardening and growing clubs in schools. Designated Alnwick Garden staff work with schools and the selected children to learn about growing vegetables and healthy eating, and gain support on how to plan a school based growing area.
The following additional information is important to consider in helping you make your decision regarding whether to apply.
- Each visit will be split with Alnwick Garden staff supporting the gardening session and healthy lifestyle education session. However, teaching staff remain responsible for the children’s behaviour and management during the visit. For this reason schools are strongly advised to select a lead teacher responsible for the project and 2 additional staff members / adult helpers to accompany children on visits and assist in developing the garden.
- The education session will focus their teaching on the key messaging including healthy eating and the importance of keeping active.
- Each school will attend independently of each other (excluding the teachers and adult helpers visit and the celebratory event)
- All visits are fun, practical and involve an educational element.
- Whilst the Roots and Shoots Programme is FREE to schools, schools must pay for and provide their own transport to and from the Garden. No supply costs are paid. At this time, we are still trying to secure funding towards to cost of transport, further information to follow.
- Up to 20 children per school can be selected. We would like schools to choose children from years 4 or 5 (some exceptions) who are known to be less active, may need to increase their confidence and self-esteem, may have weight issues (particularly those who are overweight), or additionally who you feel would benefit from the programme.
How to apply
There are only 3 out of 10 school places left. Schools who would like to set up a growing club or linked activities within school, and who are prepared to develop a growing area or pots in the school or local community, are welcome to apply.
Schools will be selected primarily on the basis of their application forms, but other factors such as levels of obesity within a given partnership will be considered.
If you would like to apply please contact lisa.winter@alnwickgarden.com for an application form.
Lisa Winter, Wellbeing Programme Officer, The Alnwick Garden & Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden, Gardeners Cottage, Greenwell Road, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1HB
