APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED FOR THE 2017 ROOTS AND

applications are now invited for the 2017 roots and shoots schools programme about the programme the northumberland roots an

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED FOR THE 2017
ROOTS AND SHOOTS SCHOOLS PROGRAMME
About the programme
The Northumberland Roots and Shoots Schools Programme in partnership
with The Alnwick Gardens is now an established programme in
Northumberland. Led by The Alnwick Garden and supported by public
health professionals from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
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 Gardens
staff and public health professionals will work with schools and the
selected children to learn about growing and healthy eating, and gain
support on how to plan a school based growing area.
The programme of visits is attached for your information (specific
dates to be agreed). 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 public health staff supporting the health
education/change4life 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 adult
helpers to accompany children on visits and assist in developing
the garden (Maximum of 3 adults per visit).
*
Public health staff will focus their teaching on the key
change4life messages 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
gardens. No supply costs are paid. However £100 is available from
the Garden for each school which can be used to assist with
transport or to Purchase a yearly pass to the gardens.
*
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 10 school places available. 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.
Those selected will be asked to sign a written agreement of attendance
to all sessions and will be charged the full cost should the school
pull out of the agreement.
Each school must complete the attached application form by Friday 9th
Decemeber 2016 and return to:
Dawn Willis Senior Health Trainer, Northumberland Specialist Health
Improvement Service, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust,
Epsom Drive, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 8BD.
[email protected]
Summary and broad overview of the programme
(Please note there may be variation at visits)
Teacher Visit (February)
Teachers and 2 adult helpers only (it is essential that the lead
attends this visit). We would encourage parents, volunteers or
caretakers that will support the implementation and development of a
growing area or pots in the school or local community to attend.
Introduction to the programme; tour of the garden; setting the scene
and planning for the year ahead (first thoughts and ideas about
planned garden); experience potting up.
Each school will receive a journal to keep track of progress through
the year and their schools free pass to the garden.
Early Spring Visit (March)
Packed Lunch Required
Selected children and adult helpers
Soil testing and garden planning; preparing growing areas and sowing
seeds; watering techniques; visit the tree house and tour of the
garden.
Change4Life interactive education
Late Spring Visit
(April/May)
Packed Lunch Required
Selected children and adults helpers
Preparing and planting own school plot at Alnwick gardens.
Planting out seedlings. Advice re: pest control, feeding the garden.
Change4Life interactive education
Summer Visit
(June)
Packed Lunch Required
Selected children and adults helpers
Preparing and planting own school plot at Alnwick gardens.
Harvesting (if possible), storing the harvest; taking soft and hard
wood cuttings (plants for free).
Change4Life interactive education
Celebration Event
(September)
Packed Lunch Required
All schools who have taken part attend with their selected children
together to celebrate their learning and progress.
*
Final visit to Roots and Shoots Garden to see changes and harvest
produce
*
Fun food activities
*
Opportunity to showcase learning
*
Physical Activity sessions in the garden
Additional resources
A resource pack will be provided to each school with a selection of
tips and hints.
Evaluation
An end of programme evaluation will be done at the celebration event
Public health staff will keep some photographic evidence of activities
and visits, and will monitor children’s learning through out.
All schools are asked to keep a record of their progress in the
journal provided at the start of the programme and present this at the
celebration.
Roots and Shoots Programme Application
For completion if you wish to be considered for this initiative –
Please provide as much detail as possible and continue on additional
sheets as necessary.
Name of School & Address:
Contact Name (Lead Teacher):
Contact Tel No & Email:
How many adults will take part (please circle) 1 2 3
Do you presently have a designated area for growing Y / N
If yes please explain how this is presently used and who manages it
Please briefly describe your future plans / aspirations for a growing
club in your school (these may only be initial thoughts)
If possible please demonstrate how you will use the food you have
grown
Please return to:
Dawn Willis Senior Health Trainer, Northumberland Specialist Health
Improvement Service, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust,
Epsom Drive, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 8BD.