“Enrichment beyond the classroom”
Pupils make excellent progress, especially in their communication, reading, writing and number work.
GOVERNANCE - Before you start
There are a few things you may wish to consider before starting a school garden, and areas to clarify with the powers that be! This can insure you have what you need, both time and money wise; as well as an agreed understanding!
Also to stop any confusion or misunderstanding.
ALSO CHECK OUT OUR EXPECTATIONS CHECKLIST FOR HANDY QUESTIONS TO CHECK OFF.
Budget & Fundraising
There are initial start up costs for a school garden to operate. Is there budget to support this, what needs to be sourced from parents or is there local funding available. What happens next year?
Who is responsible for fundraising?
Capacity & Hours
Who is leading on teh school garden work?
Is there an agreement on time they can allocate as part of their role?
What time will students get to be in the garden over the course of the year?
Is the garden mainly for after school or in school hours?
Access
Often over school holidays it is harder for the garden to be maintained. Is there access for volunteers or parents during the summer?
Can local businesses volunteer to help with the garden maintenance?
Are the school open for volunteers to come in and what is the process for this?
Storage
Does the garden area also have enough storage?
Will is be possible to source and erect a shed?
Is the storage secure and fit for purpose?
Who can access the storage?
Caretakers/ Groundsmen
What support is possible from the caretaking team?
Are they on board?
Who will maintain the grass areas?
Do any contractors need to be given instructions on what and where to cut?
If you have fruit tress who is responsible for pruning them?
Harvest
Once you grow produce what will happen to it?
Is there a chance to link with the school cooking classes?
Who can monitor the harvest in school holidays?