Background
Welcombe Hills School in Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, is a specialist college for visual and performing arts, serving students from 2½ to 19 years old with various additional learning needs. For the past three years, horticulture has played a significant role in their curriculum, greatly enhanced by their Keder Greenhouse.

Educational Benefits
The Keder Greenhouse is primarily used by secondary school students who have weekly lessons in it. These lessons focus on essential science skills, such as understanding the importance of sunshine and water for plant growth.

Students conduct experiments that teach them about nature and the environment. They also learn the correct way to use and care for gardening tools, ensuring they are cleaned properly after each use.
Horticulture tasks in the greenhouse are particularly effective in developing concentration, dexterity, and communication skills for students with autism, Asperger's, and Down Syndrome.

Growing Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Lucy Strauss, the teacher in charge of the garden, explains the significant impact the Keder Greenhouse has had on the school's gardening activities. “The Keder Greenhouse is excellent. We have it split into two areas with bench space and raised beds, which staff and some of our autistic students built themselves. We currently have a Granddad called Brian who comes in and advises us on what to plant and when!”

The greenhouse contains three raised beds used for growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and courgettes. The students enjoy making salsa, pickle, and rhubarb cordial from their harvests, which they eat and sell to staff. They also create tips for canes to prevent accidental eye injuries. The proceeds from these sales are reinvested in buying seeds and gardening equipment like canes and netting.

Community and Accessibility
The school community is delighted with the Keder Greenhouse, especially because it requires no maintenance. They highly recommend both the product and the service provided by Keder. Currently, they are installing an irrigation system, making the greenhouse accessible for wheelchairs, and planning to install heating to use the space during the winter.

Conclusion
Welcombe Hills School’s experience with their Keder Greenhouse has been overwhelmingly positive. The greenhouse has not only facilitated horticultural education but also helped develop essential life skills in students with additional needs. The school’s ongoing projects to enhance the greenhouse further demonstrate their commitment to providing an inclusive, educational environment. The Keder Greenhouse stands out as a valuable asset in the school’s horticultural program, providing a stable, versatile, and productive space for learning and growth.