LEAF – linking environment and farming

What is LEAF?

LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) is a national education programme that supports schools in helping children understand where food comes from, how farming works, and the vital connection between people, the land and the environment. Through real-life experiences, outdoor learning and meaningful links with local farms and food producers, LEAF encourages pupils to develop informed, balanced views about food production, sustainability and care for the natural world. By embedding farming, food and environmental education across the curriculum, LEAF helps schools nurture curiosity, responsibility and a deeper respect for the world around us.

Why LEAF Is Important for Our Pupils

The LEAF programme is proven to:

  • Develop positive and respectful attitudes toward local nature and farmland
  • Increase children’s understanding of how the natural world connects to their lives
  • Empower pupils to take greater responsibility for the environment around them developing their courageous advocacy

These outcomes support our whole‑school approach to Personal Development, helping pupils grow into confident, reflective, responsible young citizens. LEAF strengthens essential curriculum areas including science, geography, PSHE, RE, reading and early language development through purposeful, experiential learning outdoors.

A Significant Achievement: Bronze LEAF Demonstrator School

We are incredibly proud to have been awarded the Bronze Demonstrator School status through LEAF Education—an achievement held by only a small number of schools in the West Midlands.

Demonstrator Schools are recognised for leading practice in using food, farming and the natural environment within their curriculum, supported directly by LEAF Education Specialists over a five‑year development pathway.

This award celebrates our commitment to sustainable learning, outdoor education and meaningful engagement with nature. It is a true unique selling point for our school and reflects the strength of our curriculum vision

Our Partnership With Southfields Farm, Coleshill

A cornerstone of our LEAF journey is our close partnership with Southfields Farm, a working arable and livestock farm in Coleshill known for its long‑standing commitment to environmental stewardship and education.

Through this partnership, pupils benefit from regular, high‑quality farm‑based learning experiences that are:

  • Safe
  • Carefully planned
  • Fully linked to our curriculum
  • Led by experienced educators who adapt activities for all ages and needs

Our Partnership With Southfields Farm, Coleshill

Southfields Farm offers curriculum‑rich opportunities for children to engage directly with animals, crops, and natural habitats, making strong and meaningful links to science, geography, mathematics and RE.

For younger pupils, visits support early development through:

  • Observing plants, animals and new life first‑hand
  • Exploring seasonal changes
  • Developing confidence, independence and practical skills

For older pupils, farm learning deepens knowledge of:

  • Plant growth, habitats, micro‑habitats and biodiversity
  • The impact of weather and seasons on farming and food production
  • Sustainable land management, soil health and wildlife
  • The relationships between producers, consumers and environmental choices

Importantly, Southfields Farm is recognised for providing inclusive and accessible learning for pupils of all ages and needs, ensuring every child can engage meaningfully with nature and the environment.

We are dedicated to embedding sustainable, nature‑connected learning throughout our curriculum. LEAF is part of who we are as a school—an ethos that values curiosity, stewardship, wellbeing, community partnership and outdoor learning as key foundations for the children’s personal development.

This real‑world learning supports pupils academically, socially and spiritually, aligning powerfully with the aims of the LEAF programme and strengthening our whole‑school vision for personal development.

How LEAF Supports Personal Development in Our School

The LEAF programme directly enhances pupils’ personal development by helping them to:

  • Build confidence, resilience and independence outdoors
  • Develop curiosity, critical thinking and problem‑solving skills
  • Strengthen their sense of responsibility for the world around them
  • Understand their role as environmentally conscious citizens
  • Enjoy positive, health‑enhancing time in nature that supports wellbeing
  • Connect learning across subjects in meaningful, memorable ways

Our LEAF Commitment

Through LEAF and our work with Southfields Farm, we ensure pupils gain the knowledge and experiences needed to make informed, responsible choices—now and in the future.