1. C.Heath 2012

2. Last year, the foundation stage had to make many changes to the implementation of provision, in line with the new framework set out by OFSTED. This provided an opportunity to re-think and develop the outdoor provision. This prompted us to transform the space at the front of the building, which had hardly been used for play previously, creating different areas in which children could enjoy a stimulating environment to enhance their learning. At the very beginning… C.Heath 2012

3. At the very beginning… As we moved more and more towards developing children’s independence through play, with an increasing focus on sensory stimuli, we realised that our fixed resources and surfaces outside were no longer fit for purpose. They weren’t accessible to all children, especially those with disabilities or additional learning needs. The children were too dependent on adults when they played outside, and resources were limited. Let’s face it… This looks pretty boring C.Heath 2012

4. We pride ourselves in providing children with high-quality – but not necessarily expensive resources to use. So we needed a plan. Mrs Nesbitt had a look around another setting to see what the outdoor provision was like there. She particularly liked the story chair in the outdoor classroom. Nikki Shaw (the designer from Creative Partnerships), came to visit with some exciting ideas to help us create the stimulating environment we want to provide for our children. C.Heath 2012

5. After all, it is going to be their garden… C.Heath 2012

7. The hired help… The school won a bid for funding through ‘Creative Partnerships’ and a team of staff was organised to support the development. This included: Mrs Nesbitt (Assistant Head/ Leader of Foundation Stage) Mrs Heath (Teaching Assistant in Foundation Stage) Nikki Shaw ( Outdoor Provision, Garden Designer for Creative Partnerships). Obviously our garden wasn’t going to be able to build and plant it’s self so… C.Heath 2012

8. And of course our wonderful team of volunteering parents, who, as always would prove to be invaluable. The hired help… Keeping parents and carers informed and involved has been key to the successful development and use of our outdoor environment. C.Heath 2012

9. But first we need to find out what we want to grow… So now we have a plan and a work force… Let’s get started then! C.Heath 2012

10. What would you like to grow in our garden? carrots peas onions tomatoes leeks brussel sprouts strawberries blackberries cauliflower potatoes C.Heath 2012

11. 20 th March 2012 Lots of parents came to volunteer in our new garden. Building the greenhouse was a great way to begin the project. Once the children had chosen their fruit and veg it was time to really get started. C.Heath 2012

12. 4 th April 2012 To me- to you this decking board is heavy! Who knew we could be carpenters? Does it matter if it’s 2mm out? Assembling the first planter. Mr Heath with his jigsaw. Ta-da! C.Heath 2012

13. 5 th April 2012 Well… we made short work of those planters, next job please. Building the end of the investigation area was a bit trickier… All hands on deck. We had to stay inside because of the rain… Only one more left. C.Heath 2012

14. 17 th April 2012 Students from Edgbaston High School, came to help the children plant seeds. They wrote the name of the vegetable on one side of a lolly stick and their own name on the other side. C.Heath 2012

15. 22 nd April 2012 With all those little seeds growing in the greenhouse, we better make them a more permanent home. All lined up and ready to go Mrs Shaw… Come on Mr Heath… More bark chippings please! C.Heath 2012

16. 24 th April 2012 And here we have the Ground Force team! Just kidding… but they do look pretty good don’t they? Everyone worked really hard. C.Heath 2012

17. 24 th April 2012 Even the little ones got stuck in! At last the garden was ready for the children to plant. C.Heath 2012

18. 26 th April 2012 C.Heath 2012

19. 3rd May 2012 operation outdoor classroom and den building area was complete. Steve was able to get some more bark chippings. C.Heath 2012

20. 8 th May 2012 At last the tiny seeds have grown big enough to plant outside. C.Heath 2012

21. 8 th May 2012 Everyone has been busy planting beans, peas, broccoli, onions, cucumber, courgettes, leeks and carrots. C.Heath 2012

22. 11 th May 2012 The pallets are going to be an insect hotel. We can use the money we make from selling the left over seedlings to buy new seeds. C.Heath 2012

23. 15 th May 2012 Planting brightly coloured flowers will encourage the butterflies and bees to use our garden too. Parents came to help the children plant flowers and fruit bushes. C.Heath 2012

24. 22nd May 2012 It was such a beautiful day, lots of jobs were finished. The flowers and shrubs were all planted and the sensory garden was completed. Even the ducks joined in! C.Heath 2012

25. June 2012 C.Heath 2012

26. 17 th July 2012 The shoe boxes had been painted and been half filled with tissue paper as a decoration. C.Heath 2012

27. 18 th July 2012 Mrs Heath and the children pulled up some vegetables, it was hard work! The children were very excited to see how much they had grown! C.Heath 2012

28. 18 th July 2012 C.Heath 2012

29. 18 th July 2012 After the children had their graduation ceremony, they had a party and the parents were able to come and buy produce from our garden, we were completely out of stock in ten minutes. Well done Everyone! C.Heath 2012

30. That is the story of Kindergarten’s garden so far, We hope you join us in our adventure as phase 2 begins. C.Heath 2012