We have partnered with Bumblebee Conservation Trust to help raise awareness of the importance of bumblebees and their role in food production. Our team of nutritionists are offering a series of workshops to all of our schools; allowing thousands of children across the country to benefit from further learning and understand how they can play their part in protecting the species.
Pollinators, including bumblebees, contribute to 30% of the food we eat - without them we would see a decline in the availability of fruits and vegetables. Our workshops aim to get children excited and engaged about healthy, nutritious food as well as teaching them about the importance of bees, why they’re in decline and how we can help.
The workshop has been carefully designed to align with the Key Stages of the curriculum for PSHE, science and food technology and has been modelled to support the National Food Strategy by enriching learning outside the classroom with information around food.
Following one of the first workshops at Bishop Rawle Primary School, Cheadle, one teacher said: “We were very lucky to have Chartwells come and deliver a bee workshop in our Year 1 and 2 class. The children were excited beforehand and throughout! They were engaged and enjoyed the interesting range of facts - so did the teachers! I think it really emphasised how important bees are to us and I am sure it is something the children will remember.”
As part of the workshop, pupils have the opportunity to learn about the different types of bees, find out about pollination and its impact on food, as well as develop their cooking skills. Pupils are also provided with digestible materials to take home and share with friends and family.
Charlie Brown, Managing Director, Chartwells said: “At Chartwells, we pride ourselves on providing healthy and nutritious meals to schools, but we also strive to give so much more value than that. We are always looking for ways to make discussions around food positive, as well as inspiring the next generation to make the best choices. Our partnership with Bumblebee Conservation Trust has enabled us to evolve the topics we discuss as well as bring to life important lessons which pupils can adopt into their everyday lives.”
Gill Perkins, CEO, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, added: “Pollinators and bumblebees play such a momentous role in our food eco-system that it’s really important that we work with others to educate and inspire the younger generation to help protect them. This is why we are thrilled to be partnering Chartwells on this initiative, working with like-minded businesses who are passionate about educating pupils on the importance of where their food comes from.”