Liverpool at the forefront with food education
by Educate Magazine September 12, 2017 · Uncategorized
Liverpool primary schools are at the forefront of an innovative approach to healthy eating, as three edible playgrounds are launched across the city, to encourage outdoor learning, growing and engaging food education.
The three primary schools – St Teresa of Lisieux Catholic Primary and Monksdown Primary in Norris Green, and Holy Name Catholic Primary in Fazakerley – served up seasonal home-grown feasts to their local school communities as part of a nationwide initiative by charity, Trees for Cities, to get children outside growing and learning about healthy food.
The edible playgrounds – which were officially opened by Cllr Nick Small – mark an experiential and innovative approach to food education; each a bespoke design for the school and their pupils to create outdoor learning hubs in the heart of the school grounds.
Councillor Small embarked on a tasty road trip across the city; cutting celebratory ribbons of the new edible playgrounds and enjoying the home-grown delights pupils have been growing; including herbs, salads and seasonal vegetables.
Councillor Small said: “This is a fantastic scheme which has so many benefits for school pupils, including encouraging outdoor learning and growing and eating your own food.
The launch is of particular significance to St Teresa of Lisieux Catholic Primary School, which is a flagship school for the edible playground programme; made possible thanks to nearly £250,000 Dream Funding available from the generous support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
In addition to incorporating outdoor learning throughout the wider school curriculum, the school has also created an interactive cookery classroom where their school cook delivers outdoor cooking lessons to students.
Andrew Tremarco, headteacher of St Teresa de Lisieux Primary School said: “We encourage our pupils to get outside, stick their hands in some soil and learn about the benefits of healthy eating.
“Our edible playground is all about trying to create a healthier, happier future for the children taking part.
“We want everyone to have those all-important memories of growing their own food, knowing where it comes from and experiencing the tasting of a wider variety of fruit and vegetables”.
