Our preschool allotment is a much-loved extension of our learning environment, giving children the opportunity to experience the magic of growing their own fruit, vegetables and flowers. What began as an empty plot has been transformed into a thriving space, thanks to the generosity and hard work of our staff, families and wider preschool community.

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The children are involved every step of the way - from preparing the soil and sowing seeds to watering, weeding and harvesting. Watching something they have nurtured grow from seed to plate is an incredibly rewarding experience, and there is nothing quite like taking home produce they have grown themselves to share with their families.

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The allotment offers endless opportunities for hands-on learning. As children care for plants, they begin to understand where food comes from, how living things grow and change, and why it is important to care for our environment. They observe the changing seasons, discover insects and wildlife, compare growth, solve problems and develop patience as they wait for their crops to flourish.

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Gardening also promotes healthy lifestyles by encouraging children to be active outdoors and develop a positive relationship with fresh fruit and vegetables. We often find that children are much more willing to taste new foods when they have grown them themselves!

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Our allotment is a special place where curiosity, responsibility and a love of nature can flourish. It is a wonderful extension of our outdoor curriculum and one of the many ways we help children develop confidence, resilience and a deeper connection with the natural world.