Early years settings advised on growing food

Early years practitioners can get practical advice from the Growing Schools website on how to develop successful growing projects in their own settings.

The programme was launched in 2001 with a focus on primary and secondary schools, amid concerns that children lacked understanding of the sources of food and that urban populations were becoming increasingly detached from the countryside.

Case studies on the Growing Schools website showcase good practice. One of these is Acorns Montessori Nursery in Selby, North Yorkshire, which has a large garden packed with vegetables, fruit trees and flowers, plus an animal area that includes goats, chickens, ducks, ferrets, canaries, guinea pigs and rabbits.

Nursery proprietor Helen Bentley said, 'I think it is really important to show the children where vegetables and fruit come from. We use our outdoor area in the curriculum as the children help to plant the seeds and grow the vegetables and fruit, and then they pick them when they are ready and eat them for their snack.

'The children also help to look after the animals we have. They find the goats the most entertaining and they love helping to feed them. We also have a pond where children can learn about life cycles.'

The outdoor learning environment and its emphasis on nurturing plants and caring for the animals is central to Acorns' ethos.

Ms Bentley said she has found that growing the vegetables and caring for the animals fits in with the Montessori philosophy of fostering independence and encouraging children to do things for themselves.

She said that many of the parents choose the nursery specifically because of its outdoor learning environment.

The nursery has also worked with a nearby school for children who have special educational needs to make the garden more accessible.

Further information: www.growingschools.org.uk