Children at Quedgeley take part in a new 'Grow with me' scheme, to plant and nurture their own fruits and vegetables in the nursery garden. Children have been involved in planting, watering and watching their produce grow as well as discussing healthy living and life cycles. The children have enjoyed measuring and monitoring the growth of their food, before taking part in cooking activities with the catering team.

The new scheme follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which states that early years settings should 'provide suitable experiences for young children to enable them to understand what healthy living is. Growing and nurturing vegetable seeds has encouraged the skills needed to ensure plants grow, and includes communication, physical development, problem solving and personal development.

Assistant Manager, Mickie said "The children have really enjoyed learning and taking part in the whole process of growing, cooking and tasting. They have taken an active interest in the changes that occur over time and are really proud of their pea seedlings and fruit trees"

The catering team are already planning fun and exciting activities and recipes for when the produce is ready for harvest. 'Five A day' will be regular feature on the menus this summer.