Ready Steady Grow Learning Fun at RAPS

The visit by the Reception year group was linked closely to their topic Ready, Steady, Grow, where they are learning about plants, how they grow, and how living things change over time.

At the Dane Valley centre the children planted sunflower seeds, explored different areas of the garden including the forest space and orchid house,

One of the most exciting moments was getting to taste fresh salad leaves straight from the plants. Crunchy, fresh, and picked by their own hands — it doesn’t get much fresher than that.

Of course, no garden trip would be complete without a bit of messy fun. The children loved playing in the mud kitchen, mixing, pouring, and creating their own muddy masterpieces.

It was a great opportunity for them to see plants growing in a real environment and begin to understand how to care for them.

The visit also linked strongly to the group’s Power of Reading text Errol’s Garden. In the story, Errol discovers a hidden rooftop garden and learns how plants can grow in shared community spaces.

Reception teacher Alice Piper said: “Through the visit the children were able to experience a real community garden, observe a range of plants closely, and talk about what plants need to grow. This supported the discussions we have been having in class about gardens, plants, and how people work together to grow and care for them.

“The experience will feed back into our classroom learning as the children continue to observe their own sunflower seeds growing, label parts of plants, and talk about what plants need to survive.”

Fact File: Windmill Community Gardens Margate, a thriving community garden and market garden, was established in 2004, when a group of local families requested somewhere safe to grow food with their children.

It states: “Our community garden is a truly magical place, and we would love for you to come and visit. It features a bountiful community growing space, accessible pathway, forest garden, poly tunnel, play area, wildlife habitats and so much more.

“Our market garden is a chemical-free food growing space that includes no-dig beds growing vegetables, herbs, and some fruit all year round, we also have some thriving Bee Hives.

“Through this site we supply our weekly vegetable bag scheme, weekly market stalls, and local restaurants throughout the year.

“Our overall vision is to improve the physical and mental health, wellbeing, and community cohesion of our visitors through educational and environmental activities as well as offering access to locally grown, chemical-free food.”

Find our more online at www.windmillcommunitygardensmargate.com

Ramsgate Arts Primary School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Upton Junior School and Chilton Primary School.

*For more information, contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847