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Making parents and carers feel welcome and appreciated is key to increasing their involvement in their children’s all round development. If pupils are to obtain maximum benefit from their experiences outdoors it is essential that parents understand its value too.
In addition outdoor spaces in schools and early years settings can provide the main outdoor space that can be used safely by the local community for - increasing this use can help regenerate and strengthen communities. |
We advocate using a participative approach to outdoors; this actively involves parents and users of the space in decision making, helping with practical projects and longer term maintenance and evaluation.
Adults play a vital role in supporting and encouraging children in their learning and play. Research in Early Years settings has shown that boys and fathers in particular prefer being outdoors and fathers are less likely to be involved in their child’s educational setting. Secondary schools often find it hard to involve parents actively in the life of the school. Your school grounds project can provide an opportunity for parents to contribute their practical skills, as well as their opinions about the grounds. The outdoors offers a valuable way to involve parents in a way they can feel comfortable and providing a free feast at an end-of-work barbecue will often be incentive enough!
Schools and settings are at the hub of the local community, and projects which include community access and involvement often find it easier to raise funding. By involving parents and the wider community in your project, whether through fundraising or asking them to help you may see both financial and social benefits.
Successful projects entail many different skills, not just gardening; carpenters, artists, fundraisers, designers and letter writers may all be needed too. Working together for the good of the outdoor area will ensure a garden is greater than any individual part; it will echo and reflect its community. Your school grounds project can provide an opportunity for parents to contribute their practical skills as well as their opinions about the grounds. A skills survey of parents will uncover ways that your project can be helped - you may even discover a Landscape Architect willing to donate some time to a great cause!
Who else in your community might be able to help with your project?
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Local businesses might be able to provide advice, funding, free or discounted materials, or labour as part of staff development or community involvement programmes.
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Your local council will be a source of advice on health and safety, planning requirements and funding.
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Voluntary groups and charities such as BTCV, Groundwork or the Wildlife Trust can provide technical advice, and may be able to work directly with you.
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Local media – newspapers, radio and TV – will be interested in helping you to celebrate your achievements. | |
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