Seaview Primary School Seaview is an urban primary school located in North Belfast. We have been promoting Eco Values throughout our school for many years. Mr McCoy, the teacher in charge of The World Around Us promotes Eco Schools and Mrs Devlin manages the Sustrans programme. As part of our extended school programme we have established a gardening club under the leadership of Mrs Hesloot.
Our Gardening Policy
According to research undertaken by the Royal
Horticultural Society in 2010, ‘Gardening in school boosts child development,
teaches life skills and makes children healthier and happier’. As well as
improving pupils’ confidence, resilience and responsibility the school garden
can provide many curriculum opportunities such as increasing scientific
knowledge and understanding, improving communication and problem solving skills
and providing opportunity for physical activity. Gardening in schools can also
encourage a caring and nurturing attitude to protecting our environment and a
more sustainable lifestyle. Aims of this Policy
To promote gardening in our school and to provide
guidelines for the use of the school garden. Objectives
To involve all children in the development and maintenance
of the school grounds.
To increase the children’s knowledge about plants and
how to grow and care for them.
To develop self-discipline, decision making and team
skills.
Risk Management
The areas being used for gardening sessions will be
checked prior to every session. Risk assessments will be drawn up by the teacher
responsible for specific activities when necessary. Supervision Each gardening activity is to be supported by an adult
and each session is to be carefully assessed and evaluated. Children’s learning
is to be continually assessed and activities adapted to suit.
Tool use The adult supervising each gardening session will ensure
that all tools are in a good working order, are appropriately sized, stored
safely and are all returned to the gardening cupboard. Sharp and dangerous tools
are stored away from easy access by young children. Children are taught how to
use tools safely during gardening sessions by demonstration and are then closely
supervised. Children must only use tools if they have been instructed to do
so. Clothing The Garden Leader will ensure that all children are
clothed appropriately to suit the weather conditions. Children are required to
wear gloves during gardening sessions. Hands must be thoroughly washed as soon
as children return to the classroom or before eating. Health and Safety Policies and
Procedures This policy operates in accordance with current school
policies. Equal Opportunities
Seaview Primary School is committed to providing Equal
Opportunities in gardening activities for both children and staff.
Monitoring The long term plan stipulates the activities which will
take place each term within each year group. Class teachers may decide to carry
out additional activities throughout the year. The co-ordinators will monitor
this each term through pupil interviews and by collecting evidence in the form
of photographs, written work and any planning showing cross-curricular links.
Cross-curricular Links
Links will be made across the curriculum wherever
possible.