Sustainability and Sustainable Practices Across The Old Station Nursery Group

Sustainability practices in and across our nurseries helps teaches children about the importance of protecting our planet, instilling values that they can carry with them throughout their lives.

Here are some of the reasons why sustainability is so important to us

Teaching children environmental responsibility: Nurseries play an important role in shaping the development of young children. By incorporating sustainable practices into the daily routines across our settings, we set a positive example for children and teach them how to be environmentally responsible. When children see sustainability in action, it helps them understand the importance of taking care of the planet and empowers them to make a positive impact.

Reducing waste and embracing recycling: By implementing sustainable practices like recycling, composting, and reducing the use of single-use plastic, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste produced. We recycle our waste, compost our food, and grow our own where possible to help with this.

Connecting children with nature and the outdoors: Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature is essential for the development of the children within our care. Outdoor play is encouraged across all our nurseries, as well as regular visits to parks, and allotment areas where children are taught about the environment, how plants grow, and the importance of taking care of the earth. This helps children develop a sense of responsibility for the planet and a love for nature.

Cultivating sustainable habits from a young age: By encouraging sustainable habits in children from a young age, we can help them become environmentally conscious individuals. Simple practices like turning off lights when leaving a room, using reusable resources, and recycling can become second nature to children when they are taught from an early age. These habits can then be carried with them throughout their lives, making a positive impact on the planet.

Environmental Champions implementing green policies: To help encourage sustainability and embed eco-friendly practices across The Old Station Nursery Group, we aim to have an ‘environmental champion’ at each nursery, responsible for implementing our green policy.

Eco-Friendly Practices at The Old Station Nursery Group

We make sure to act as role models for children, showing them how to look after the planet, teaching them about the living world and its precious resources, and fostering their love for nature.

Some of our eco-friendly practices include

• Reusing recyclable materials for arts and crafts
• Encouraging parents to bring in recycled materials for art and creative activities
• Encouraging parents to walk to nursery at least once a month if possible
• Provision of recycling bins in the nursery for children to recycle materials
• Considering our carbon footprint when purchasing materials
• Turning off equipment and lights when not in use
• Composting food waste
• Using rainwater butts for watering outdoor plants or allotment spaces
• Using food that we have grown to produce nutritious meals
• Encouraging our team, children, and families to adopt a Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle attitude through, information sharing, training and collaboration
• Many of our nurseries are working towards their Eco-Schools Green Flag Award having already achieved their Bronze and Silver Awards

For more about our sustainability practices across our nurseries, click here.

Blog checked by:  Kat Learner (Training & Professional Development Manager)