Learners at TLC The Learning Centre are benefitting from an exciting new outdoor learning opportunity after the school successfully secured a local allotment on Bromley Common.
Despite being based in a suburban setting with limited on-site green space, the school has prioritised access to nature as an important part of supporting learners’ wellbeing and development. During the Spring Term, the School’s Assistant Principal for Behaviour and Pastoral Care, secured one of the area’s highly sought-after allotments—creating a dedicated space for learners to engage in outdoor, land-based learning.
The new allotment will play a central role in the school’s ASDAN land-based studies programme, providing learners with hands-on opportunities to develop practical skills while also supporting their physical and mental health. Activities such as digging, planting and maintaining the space will encourage learners to connect with nature, build confidence and develop a sense of responsibility.
Already, learners have begun planting seeds within the school, with seedlings starting to flourish ahead of their transfer to the allotment. Over time, the aim is to grow a range of fruit, vegetables and herbs that can be used within the school’s Foodwise course, linking outdoor learning directly with cooking and nutrition.
This initiative reflects TLC’s commitment to creating meaningful, real-world learning experiences that support the whole learner—academically, socially and emotionally.
Helen Dyer, Principal of TLC The Learning Centre, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have secured this allotment for our learners. Access to outdoor space and nature is incredibly important, particularly for wellbeing, and this gives our learners a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills in a calm and engaging environment. We’re excited to see how the space grows, both in terms of produce and the confidence and enjoyment it brings to our learners.”
With planting already underway, the TLC community is looking forward to seeing the allotment flourish in the coming months, supporting both learning and wellbeing in a truly hands-on way.