A Garden for Life At St.Stephen's Children's Centre we have worked with Spring on creating a garden that offers authentic learning experiences for all the children from 0 to 11 years and their families. Research shows that playing in a natural environment offers more options and challenges for active play and increases development in young children. By using sensory-stimulating planting, there are opportunities for adults and children to experience different colours, patterns, textures, smells at their own pace. This has been extended by the purpose-built allotment area where a vast range of fruit, vegetables and herbs have been sown, nurtured, harvested, cooked and eaten. As well as our own nursery activities in the allotment, we have been able to offer space and time to out Toddler Group, After-school and Holiday Clubs and groups run by our local "Early Start". We have found that both children and parents are more willing to try new things and make healthier choices when they are involved with growing the food themselves. This year, we have developed an area known as "The Beach". We wanted to offer sand play, but to extend it to include the variety of opportunities that would be available in a natural playscape. Our joint working party with Spring has resulted in an exciting area that children and adults gravitate towards whatever the weather. The number of skills, knowledge and ideas being practised here shows how worthwhile this project has been. Our latest project will be a purpose-built workshop for Design and Technology and role-play to further increase imaginative and creative play outside. Working with Spring as our partners we are realising our ideas for holistic learning through play. Jean Webb - Deputy Head St. Stephen's Children Centre