The photographs show that we have planters in place, most are filled and have wild flowers to attract wildlife or herbs and fruit for us to eat and use in our cooking sessions/kitchen canteen. We have begun to develop a large bug hotel and purchased much needed work space, greenhouse and storage areas for our new resources. We have put down stepping stones as a walk through the planters to our large outdoor classroom (however these photos were taken just after the mowing was done). Children have enjoyed the project so far and feedback from parents has also been very positive.

Hi. I sent an email three days ago. I need support to continue. Please can you make me admin so I can finalise the project for you and release the final funding. School is closed now until 2nd September but I am happy to proceed if I can do things without being at school. Photos will not be possible until then though I am afraid.

Hi. I am trying to access the page for submittng the impact report but I need support.

Hi,
I have emailed to arrange a visit and given different dates and times but been unable to sort out a visit. Can you please send the link for the report I need to submit for the final part of our funding.
Please email me not Mr Fisher at [email protected]
Thank you.

Hello! I hope you are well! Any update on your project? Please do complete your survey when you can!!

I totally agree. I've emailed you seperately to arrange a visit. I prefer the wood effect stone steps but depending on budget we may have to go for the cheaper option. Maybe we can measure up together when you are here to get an exact idea of the cost. Looking forward to meeting you!

Great news - we have had planning permission and a start date for our outdoor classroom which will kick start the nect phase of our project, as the 'growing space' will be part of this outdoor classroom area. The start date for the build is Wednesday 15th November! Watch this space!

The site has almost been fully cleared. Old fencing has been removed. Wood and tools have been bought and rough plans drawn up.

Hello team! Please do keep in touch to kickstart your project. When would you like to get started?

Hi, congratulations on succeeding with your application. Please update your bank details to get your seed funding sent to you. Looking forward to helping you with your project!

Action plan:

Timeline: We aim to start the project on September 1st 2023, which will be the first day of term. The team will hold weekly meetings initally to ensure the project gets off of the ground.

Key Dates:

• 1/9/23 - Start of term and beginning of project


•  

Budget: We plan on investing in railway sleepers to build raised beds to allow physically disabled children to grow organic fruits, vegetables and herbs. Top soil will be purchased from a local supplier by the ton. A pathway leading to the garden will be constructed using gravel, purchased by the ton with a membrane underneath and timber edging. The majority of the cost would be on purchasing the sleepers and relavnt fixings, approximatley £1,000. The remainder would be for the soil and gravel.

The stage 2 funding would be used to purchase additional plants and tools for the children to use. We also hope to get plants and seeds donated by the community.

Impact: As a highly deprived community many children eat poorly. Highly processed foods are the norm. We hope to connect our learners to nature, make them understand where food comes from and learn about the nutritional benefits of home grown organic foods. We will survey children before, during and after the project to measure impact based on their attitudes. Will they eat more fresh fruit and vegetables now? Will the try and grow food in their own gardens or on window sills? Are they cooking? 

We will use the prject to teach cooking and nutrition, mixed in with opportunities for children to develop their numeracy skills, not only in making the garden but measuring growth rates etc.

We aim to include the enitre school, pupils staff, governors and parents who we hope will help maintain the garden.

We will also be using the school wesbite and social media to spread awareness of the project, interest in it and general knowledge.

Location: The project will utilise an under used grassed area of the school fields. We have met with the City and County of Swansea and discussed developing the area. We are aware of their requirements as effective landlords of the site. Plans will adhere to their requirements.

Additional questions

Please answer the questions below as much as you can. 

Growing Space will review the information you provide before your kickstart call. 

This will help save time and get you started straight on your project once you receive your seed funding!

1) Please take a few pictures of your site (at different time of the day ideally and when the sun is out).

2) Please write here a small description of what you would ideally like to achieve

• We aim to create a school garden and wild area


• We aim to empower our learners to create their own space


• Create a permanenet addition to the school grounds that allows generations of children to grow their own food


• Create a learning environment to assist in the delivery of oudoor learning

3) Please confirm the age group of children you are working with and that will be involved in the implementation of your project

• Children will be aged 3-11 years old.

4) Please give us the estimate of the number of children that your new Mini Growing Space will benefit (can be directly and indirectly)

• 250 children (approximately)

5) What activities do you plan to offer that will include your community (other than children) (for instance, parents, neighbours, extended families of children or else, elderly people) 

• Family open days


• Children teaching their parents about their work


• Governors invited to see impact of project


• Parent helpers to mainatin the garden


• Produce shop and donations to local food bank

6) What do you already have in your site that can be reused (material, structures etc)?

• There is some timber fencing which can be reused


• Bricks and paving slabs left from previous projects

7) Water access - please state if you have water access on your site and if you are willing to install a water butt (not obligatory) 

• There is an outside approximately 13m away from the centre of the proposed site


• We are happy to install a water butt

8) Please confirm in writing here that you have permission from a manager or landlord (of the building or head of a school  (as necessary) that says that they are happy to make the improvement of their outdoor space and let you lead the project. 

• We have permission to conduct the project

Please note that it is your responsibility to ask a written permission to the site owner. The process is simple but essential to avoid delays in the future. This can be done an email or official head letter from a landlord or manager etc.  Thank you for being diligent.

That’s all for now! 

We are excited to get you started!