Uniting the industry to integrate horticulture into the educational curriculum with #GrowAtSchool.

What is #GrowAtSchool?


#GrowAtSchool stands as an ongoing and concerted effort, aiming to forge unity within the horticultural industry. The genesis of this movement traces back to the initiation of House of Lords' evidence of research, coupled with the release of the crucial report in November 2023. This report emphatically calls upon the government to instigate a transformative change within the national curriculum, advocating for the inclusion of gardening and horticulture in schools across the expanse of the UK.

The core ethos of the #GrowAtSchool campaign extends beyond merely uniting industry stakeholders. It seeks to serve as a guiding force for governmental bodies, directing attention to the specific areas where intervention is most crucial. The overarching goal is to effect substantial change within schools, creating an environment that supports both students and teachers.

This initiative recognizes that the incorporation of horticulture into the curriculum is not only an industry-centric endeavor but also a societal investment with far-reaching implications. By advocating for this change, #GrowAtSchool endeavors to cultivate a comprehensive educational experience that not only imparts knowledge but also fosters a connection to nature and the vital skills associated with horticulture. The collaboration between industry and government is crucial, as it can pave the way for a more holistic and impactful educational system, benefiting the current and future generations alike.

WATCH: HOUSE OF LORDS EVIDENCE

In May 2023, The Horticultural Sector Committee was given evidence from The Uk’s Leading Children’s Gardening Educator Lee Connelly, The Young People in Horticulture Association’s Lilidh Matthews and Grow2know co-founder Tayshan Sami Hayden-Smith, highlighting the need to bring gardening education into schools throughout the UK to teach children where there food comes from and to educate a healthier generation.

Dear Rishi Sunak..

In June 2023, Lee Connelly dispatched a letter to Rishi Sunak, political leaders, and members of the Royal family, initiating a genuine dialogue on the inclusion of school gardening in the curriculum. As of November 2023, there has been no response to this correspondence.

Let’s Collaborate

Together with #GrowAtSchool we can make a real difference.

To get in contact if you want to make a real difference within primary school gardening education please contact Lee Connelly, The Skinny Jean Gardener and his team. Thank you.