Logo of The EYA Growing Academy

The EYA Growing Academy

Welcome to The EYA Growing Academy, where we nurture a love for nature and sustainability in our young learners. Our Growing Academy provides children with hands-on gardening experiences, teaching them about the environment, responsibility, and healthy living. Partnering with the Royal Horticultural Society, our programme aligns with their five-level gardening awards scheme, setting goals and targets to enrich children's lives through gardening.

A close-up view of an unripe green tomato growing on a vine.
Two young children are outdoors; a boy in a grey shirt holds a freshly dug potato, and a girl in a colourful dress looks on.
A group of children gathers around a teacher in a garden.
Red and purple flowers.
A young child with long hair holds up a seed packet while standing next to a garden bed filled with plants and soil.
A young child wearing gardening gloves kneels by a raised garden bed, holding a spray bottle and tending to plants with small flowers.
A child in a yellow floral jacket plants a green sapling in a pot.
A child with curly hair and a white shirt is examining a potted plant outdoors.
Two young children with blonde hair are playing with soil in a planter, with pink flowers.
A young girl with curly hair wearing a pink shirt holds a fresh carrot.
A group of young children and two adults pose together in a garden.
A young child in a blue jacket and green apron uses a small trowel to dig in a garden bed.
A young child wearing a colourful rain jacket holds a small plant in their hands while looking at it intently.
A teacher with glasses and a grey sweater shows a framed certificate to a group of young children sitting in a circle on grass.

What Is The EYA Growing Academy?

The EYA Growing Academy is an exciting initiative where children and nursery staff work together in our garden allotment.

This academy introduces children to sustainability, responsibility, and environmental awareness by engaging them in growing fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It aims to develop their skills and provide valuable experiences that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Logo of The EYA Growing Academy

The Benefits Of The Growing Academy

Gardening offers numerous benefits for children, supporting their overall development in various ways:

  • An icon of a plant with three leaves growing from a small mound of soil.

    Physical Development

    Activities like digging, planting, and watering enhance motor skills, strength, and coordination.

  • An icon of a plant with three leaves growing from a small mound of soil.

    Cognitive Development

    Engaging with plants and bugs boosts early maths and science skills, as well as pre-reading skills through labelling and drawing.

  • An icon of a plant with three leaves growing from a small mound of soil.

    Emotional Well-being

    Working in the garden fosters a sense of accomplishment and confidence. It teaches children about the cycles of growth and the importance of nurturing living things.

  • An icon of a plant with three leaves growing from a small mound of soil.

    Social Skills

    Collaborating with peers in the garden improves social interactions and teamwork.

  • An icon of a plant with three leaves growing from a small mound of soil.

    Responsibility and Empathy

    Caring for plants teaches children about responsibility and empathy, helping them understand that living things need care and attention to thrive.

  • An icon of a plant with three leaves growing from a small mound of soil.

    Connection to Nature

    Gardening helps children develop a deep connection to nature, sparking curiosity and a lifelong interest in the environment.

What Is Involved?

Children at the Growing Academy participate in various gardening activities that teach them about nature and horticulture. These activities include:

A white icon on a dark circular background showing a young plant sprouting from the soil with a small trowel beside it.

Preparing the Ground and Planters

Getting the area ready for planting.

A light green circle with a white outline of three sprouting plants.

Planning the Space

Deciding what to plant and where considering seasonal changes.

A white line drawing of a potted plant with several leaves on a grey circular background.

Planting Seeds and Seedlings

Engaging in the planting process from the very beginning.

Icon depicting three buds on stems with leaves.

Weeding and Caring for the Area

Maintaining the garden by weeding and looking after the plants.

Icon of a watering can pouring water on three small plants.

Repotting and Watering

Using compost from nursery waste and water collected from our water butts to hydrate the plants.

Icon of a wooden crate filled with various vegetables.

Harvesting

Collecting the produce they have grown and understanding the cycle of growth.

Our Garden Area

Our EYA garden areas are exciting space for children to explore, learn, and have fun. They will have the opportunity to engage with various plants and bugs, enhancing their problem-solving skills and vocabulary. Gardening activities are not just about plants; they provide a platform for learning early maths, science, and literacy skills. Harvesting fruits and vegetables and cooking with them will be a tasty and rewarding experience for all!

Planting The Seeds For A Greener Future

The Early Years Academy Growing Academy is dedicated to creating awe and wonder in every moment by connecting children with nature and teaching them valuable life skills. For more information or to get involved, please get in touch.

GET IN TOUCH
Circular logo with a leaf icon in the centre and the text "THE EARLY YEARS ACADEMY" encircling it.

Enquire With Us Today

Make an enquiry today to secure your child's place at The Early Years Academy and start their journey in a safe, nurturing and enriching environment.

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