Children can learn new skills, have fun and develop self-confidence by spending time in an allotment – tending plants and growing their own food. Most children enjoy being outdoors and love digging in the soil, getting dirty, creating things and watching plants grow.
Research has shown that gardening helps children develop many skills such as:
Responsibility – caring for plants.
Understanding – learning about cause and effect ie. Plants die without water.
Self-confidence – achieving goals and enjoying food they have grown.
Love of nature – a chance to learn about the outdoor environment in a safe and pleasant place.
Reasoning and discovery – learning about the science of plants, animals, weather, the environment etc.
Nutrition – learning to enjoy and appreciate where fresh food comes from.
As we are fortunate enough to have an allotment, I see this as an asset to my setting and aim to take the children in my care periodically to participate in many of the activities required to produce fruit and vegetables.
To ensure that the allotment is safe for young children I:
Keep sprays and fertilisers locked in the shed.
Try not to use any chemicals – gardening organically as much as possible.
Provide safe storage for equipment and tools (locked in the shed).
Secure fences and gates.
Only allow children in the green house under strict supervision.
Ensure there are no buckets of unattended water.
Provide child safe and size appropriate tools for the children.
Ensure children wear appropriate clothing depending on weather conditions. Including boots and gardening gloves.
Ensure shade is available in hot weather together with sun cream and fresh drinking water.
After visiting the allotment children must wash their hands thoroughly.