Key facts about Certificate Programme in Playful School Gardens
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This Certificate Programme in Playful School Gardens provides participants with the knowledge and practical skills to design, develop, and maintain engaging outdoor learning environments. The program emphasizes child-centered design, incorporating elements of nature play and sensory exploration.
Learning outcomes include understanding child development theories relevant to outdoor play, mastering techniques for creating diverse garden habitats, and developing effective strategies for engaging children in gardening activities. Participants will learn about sustainable gardening practices, risk assessments for outdoor play areas, and the crucial role of playful school gardens in fostering holistic child development.
The programme duration is typically [Insert Duration Here], delivered through a blend of online modules, practical workshops, and site visits to established playful school gardens. This flexible approach caters to the busy schedules of working professionals and educators.
The Certificate in Playful School Gardens holds significant industry relevance for educators, landscape architects, and anyone involved in creating child-friendly outdoor spaces. Graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the growing movement towards nature-based learning and the creation of enriching school grounds. This includes skills in curriculum development, community engagement, and grant writing which are highly sought after in the early childhood education sector and sustainable landscaping.
Further enhancing its practical application, the program integrates elements of environmental education, permaculture design, and inclusive playground design, making it highly valuable in today's landscape of child development and sustainable practices.
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Why this course?
Certificate Programme in Playful School Gardens is increasingly significant in the UK's current educational landscape. With childhood obesity rates remaining stubbornly high – reaching approximately 22% in children aged 2-15 according to NHS Digital (2023) – the demand for innovative approaches to physical activity and healthy eating within schools is at an all-time high. This programme directly addresses these concerns by equipping educators with practical skills to design and implement engaging, playful learning environments that promote physical activity, healthy eating habits, and environmental awareness. The integration of green spaces into the curriculum is growing in recognition, with the School Food Plan emphasising the importance of school gardens in providing fresh, healthy food and educational opportunities. This certificate thus bridges the gap between policy aspirations and on-the-ground implementation, providing valuable training for teachers and school staff nationwide.
| Region |
Percentage of Schools with Gardens |
| London |
45% |
| South East |
38% |
| North West |
30% |