In today’s ever-changing world, environmental awareness and action are more critical than ever. As we face issues like climate change, deforestation and pollution, instilling a sense of environmental responsibility in our youngest generation is essential.

Children have a natural curiosity about the world around them, and by implementing environmental topics from an early age, we can nurture this curiosity and encourage children to explore and appreciate the natural world around them.

Sustainability presents children with real-world problems that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through hands-on activities and discussion, children learn to tackle environmental issues, consider different perspectives, and develop creative solutions. Not only will these skills give children an understanding of environmental challenges but they will also support children’s problem-solving abilities in other areas of life.

The children in our Eco Committee here at Didcot Bright Horizons are really showing an understanding of the impact that human actions have on the planet. Through age-appropriate discussions and activities, children develop a sense of responsibility for protecting the environment and preserving natural resources for future generations. The children demonstrate this beautifully and are empowered to take action and make positive changes for themselves and their communities. It is lovely to see the impact these activities are having, which we can measure by parents sharing feedback about how their child has taken their learning home and how they are encouraging their families to be more conscious about their environmental footprint.

Spending time in nature is known to have numerous physical and mental health benefits for children and can help children to develop healthy habits. Having an active environmental curriculum and allowing children to learn about topics such as sustainable living and eco friendly practices encourages children to make healthier life choices for themselves and the planet.

Early exposure to environmental education lays the foundation for lifelong learning and engagement with environmental issues. By sparking curiosity and nurturing a love for nature, we as early years educators can inspire children to continue exploring and learning about their environment throughout their lives.

The impact of the nursery being more sustainable has been immeasurable. The children are thriving and proud of the work they are doing to, in their words, “look after the animals, bugs, trees and babies!”. The pride and confidence in the children translate into a willingness to share their work and engage with visitors to showcase their achievements.

In conclusion, sustainability in early years settings is not only essential for reducing our footprint but for shaping the attitudes and behaviours of future generations. By embracing sustainable practices and incorporating environmental education into the curriculum, we can empower young children to become responsible global citizens who care for the planet and all its inhabitants, paving a way for a brighter more sustainable future.