New allotments surprise for returning Ellesmere Primary School pupils

While the majority of pupils have been learning at home during lockdown, there has been plenty of hard work ongoing to make the school's extensive outdoor area more attractive and productive.

Children will now be able to grow their own vegetables in a series of raised beds, to complement the existing outdoor-learning provisions including outdoor classrooms, forest school and wildlife pond.

Thanks to the new allotments, children will learn where their food comes from, plant life cycles, the importance of pollinators, food chains, sustainability, recycling, caring for the environment, teamwork and more.

The new allotment at Ellesmere Primary School

Headteacher Stuart Roberts said establishing a working allotment was high on his list of priorities at the school.

"I've wanted to get an allotment up and running since becoming head here, as we have so much space outside," said Mr Roberts. "I know the benefits that growing vegetables can bring to children – particularly those who flourish most in practical settings.

"I'm a complete beginner, but I saw at my previous school how much children can get from it, and how much they can learn.

"We wanted to create enough space for every class to have their own area, so I asked our caretaker, Peter Brayne, to build substantial raised beds after taking advice from a couple of local 'allotmenteers'.

The new allotment at Ellesmere Primary School

"Sleepers were supplied by Tudor Griffiths at a discounted rate, and Dandy's Topsoil provided soil and compost at mates' rates.

"Then we roped in a couple of willing parents with a mini digger and tipper truck, so it has been a real team effort and I'm absolutely delighted with the results."

The plan is for each class to nurture seedlings indoors before planting them outside.

Then, after tending to their crops and harvesting the crop, children will learn how to cook their own lunches with the produce.

The new allotment at Ellesmere Primary School

Mr Roberts added: "We're setting up an Allotment Club so the children who are really passionate about the project can take real ownership of it.

"We are also hoping we will be able to count on the support of some green-fingered parents and grandparents once things get back to normal."