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Growing Together for SEND learners - From Garden to Plate

Growing Together for SEND learners - From Garden to Plate

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Growing Together: From Garden to Plate is a practical 5 week course designed for SEND learners who want to develop gardening, cooking and independent living skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Learners will discover how to grow edible plants, care for them and use fresh ingredients to prepare simple, healthy food. Through practical activities, learners will build confidence while exploring sustainable gardening practices that can be enjoyed at home or in the community.

Activities are adapted to suit individual abilities and experience, allowing everyone to participate at their own pace.

This course is one of four Cooking Together and Growing Together themed courses running throughout the year.

  • Entry Requirements


    This course is designed for SEND learners who would like to develop gardening, cooking and independent living skills.

    No previous gardening or cooking experience is required. Learners should be willing to participate in practical indoor and outdoor activities and be able to follow simple instructions with support where appropriate. Activities can be adapted to suit a range of abilities.

    *This course is designed for adult learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Learners must be aged 19 or over on the start date of the course and must not have an active Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

  • Course Content


    Learners will explore the journey from growing food to preparing healthy meals while developing practical gardening and food preparation skills.

    Topics include:

    Week 1: Planting seeds for edible plants

    Week 2: Fruit smoothie making

    Week 3: Setting up and maintaining a container garden

    Week 4: Herbs and microgreens

    Week 5: Vegetable soup making

    Learners will also develop skills in:

    *Growing fruit, vegetables and herbs

    *Plant care and plant propagation

    *Sustainable gardening techniques

    *Harvesting and preparing fresh ingredients

    *Healthy eating and nutrition

    *Reducing food waste

    *Working safely with gardening tools and kitchen equipment

  • Progression Next Steps


    This course is part of the Cooking Together and Growing Together programme for SEND learners. After completing this course, learners may wish to continue developing their practical skills by progressing to:

    WHRX054CL Growing Together: Gardening for Wellbeing (T3D)

    Learners may also choose to attend:

    WHRX052CL Cooking Together: Hosting and Life Skills (T1D)

    WHRX055CL Cooking Together: Meals on a Budget (T2D)

    These courses help learners continue developing cooking, independent living and healthy lifestyle skills.

  • Additional Information


    A £20 materials fee is payable to cover seeds, plants, compost, ingredients and other materials used during the course.

    Learners may be able to take home some of the plants they grow during the programme.

    This course is one of four Cooking Together and Growing Together courses offered throughout the year, each focusing on different aspects of cooking, gardening, wellbeing and independent living.

    For more information, please visit the website or contact beata.allen@stcg.ac.uk.

  • Course Structure


    This is a 5 week practical course with one session each week. Each session combines gardening activities with simple food preparation, enabling learners to experience the complete journey from growing ingredients to creating healthy meals.

    Activities are practical, accessible and can be adapted to suit individual learning needs, abilities and previous experience.

  • Assessment Details


    There are no formal exams or written assessments.

    Progress is assessed through participation in practical gardening and cooking activities, observation by the tutor and the development of confidence, practical skills and independent living skills throughout the course.

    Learners will receive regular feedback and encouragement to support their progress.

  • Teaching and Learning


    Learning takes place in a friendly, supportive and inclusive environment led by experienced tutors.

    Sessions include demonstrations, practical gardening activities, simple cooking tasks, discussion, visual resources and individual support where appropriate. Learners are encouraged to work at their own pace, develop new skills through practical experience and build confidence in growing food, preparing healthy meals and making sustainable lifestyle choices.