Funding for the Go Flourish Liaison Teacher at North Kessock, linking school garden learning with community activity and developing a model for Highland schools.
Estimated Cost
£57,500
What do you want to do?
We are seeking funding to support the continuation of the Go Flourish Liaison Teacher role at North Kessock Primary School as part of a pilot project, developing a scalable model to benefit other schools and communities across the Highland region.
This is a place-based, integrated approach where a qualified teacher with RHS training is embedded within the school and links curriculum learning with community engagement through the shared school garden. The role connects outdoor learning during the school day with community use of the same space during and beyond school hours, creating a joined-up approach to education, wellbeing and participation.
Go Flourish has worked with Highland Council to develop the school garden as a shared community hub, opening the school gates in a structured way. This includes opportunities for community members to obtain PVG clearance and volunteer in the school during the day, alongside community gardening sessions and events outwith school hours.
Funding will support:
Curriculum-based outdoor learning for all classes
Structured volunteer involvement during school hours (PVG supported)
Weekly intergenerational community gardening sessions
Family workshops and seasonal open garden events
Shared stewardship of the garden across school, families and community
Volunteer coordination, safeguarding and engagement
Maintenance and development of the biodiverse garden space
Strengthening the school–community link through the Liaison Teacher role
The garden and Liaison Teacher role are currently funded by Go Flourish and form part of a pilot evaluated by the University of St Andrews School of Psychology & Neuroscience. Funding will sustain delivery and support development of a model that can be shared across Highland schools.
Why is your project important for the community?
This project creates a shared community garden embedded within the school, acting as a local infrastructure asset that integrates education, wellbeing and community connection. Rather than separating school and community activity, the Liaison Teacher role connects both, enabling learning and participation to extend beyond the classroom into families and the wider community.
The garden is an established biodiverse space used by children, families and residents across generations, supporting wellbeing, social connection and access to nature.
The project aligns strongly with the Black Isle Local Place Plan, particularly:
Community infrastructure and shared facilities
Community wellbeing and reduced isolation
Nature, biodiversity and environmental enhancement
Climate action and sustainability
Strong, resilient rural communities
Community participation and empowerment
Local living and place-based approaches
It also aligns with the Highland Council Food Growing Strategy (“Growing Our Future”), NHS green health priorities, and Highland Council Play Strategy, supporting food growing, preventative wellbeing, and outdoor child-led play.
The model addresses a gap in traditional provision where engagement is often limited. Instead, it is universal from the outset, ensuring every child has access to nature-based learning that extends into wider community participation.
What positive impact will your project have?
Expected outcomes include:
Increased use of shared green space and community ownership
Improved wellbeing through access to nature
Stronger school–community relationships
Increased skills in food growing and environmental stewardship
Greater awareness of sustainable food systems
Enhanced biodiversity within the school grounds
Increased volunteering and intergenerational learning
Reduced isolation and stronger social connection
Greater community resilience through shared stewardship
The project takes a preventative approach, supporting wellbeing, inclusion and resilience through regular engagement with nature and community activity.
The long-term aim is to develop a scalable model that can be replicated across Highland schools, supporting wider priorities around prevention, wellbeing and sustainability.
Key milestones and next steps
The school and community garden is now established and actively used by children, families and local residents, with regular intergenerational activity.
The Liaison Teacher model is embedded within the school, linking curriculum learning with community use of the garden. This is supported through formal partnership with the school and Highland Council, including agreed community access via licence to occupy.
The project is currently being evaluated by the University of St Andrews School of Psychology & Neuroscience, and is currently funded by Go Flourish.
Next steps focus on continuing delivery, expanding volunteer participation, strengthening the evidence base, and refining the model for replication across Highland schools, alongside developing a sustainable long-term framework.
Anticipated start and end date
This funding would support continuation of an established pilot already in operation. The proposed funding period is August 2026 to July 2027, covering a full academic year of delivery, evaluation and refinement of a scalable model. The costs also include project coordination and volunteer support to ensure effective delivery, safeguarding, and community engagement.
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