Leamington pre-school celebrates opening of children's allotment

A pre-school in Leamington celebrated the opening of their new children's allotment.

The team at Telford Pre-school, which is in Kelvin Avenue, recently opened 'Penny's Plot', which the community have also been involved in.

Claire Harman-Sherwood, manager of the pre-school, said: "We have found through opening the allotment the community around us have joined in to celebrate.

"We are only too aware that life is not as normal, therefore we wanted to celebrate these milestones that we have. Not only for the preschool but for our community around us.

"Warwick, Leamington and Kenilworth Early Years settings have worked tirelessly throughout lockdown and beyond ensuring children’s well-being has been their priority, creating fun times for the children in their care.

"It has been tough for Early years however support from the local authority has been wonderful, the community has pulled together, families supported settings and early years practitioners supported one another during these uncertain times."

The preschool, which is a charity, will be using the allotment to show children where food comes from and to promote nature.

Claire added: "Parents have donated vegetable plants and compost, our deputy manager sourced wooden sleepers that were otherwise going to landfill and we have been extremely fortunate gaining sponsorship from Stratford Dobbies (donating soil) and Homebase in Leamington donating flower seeds for the children’s nature bags.

"The Early Years team and children collaboratively to create and nurture this area.

"Children immerse themselves in our allotment gaining knowledge of the world, discovering a tranquil space that is calm for children to have time and thoughts whilst observing and being inquisitive about nature around them.

"Children have enjoyed watering, weeding, feeding the birds and digging.

"We are looking forward to harvesting our pumpkins and growing a variety of seasonal crops whilst enhancing their learning.

"We hope that one day we have even more crops to share with our neighbours."