The government is prioritizing climate education in schools. Starting in 2028, climate change and sustainability will be part of citizenship classes in primary schools. Additionally, early years settings must create climate action plans and appoint sustainability leads by 2025, except for childminders.
The early years framework already encourages children to learn about their world and the environment. However, many settings want to focus on sustainability but struggle with limited time and resources. This year, as the early years framework was updated, many found themselves unprepared. Social media groups filled with requests for templates and guidance reflect this rush to adapt.
To help, the government now offers trained ‘climate ambassadors’ to all settings in England. These ambassadors provide tailored advice to ease the transition. For school nurseries, there’s even funding available for solar panels through a Great British Energy initiative.
Honeypot nurseries, a group of eco-conscious centers near Liverpool, has achieved Eco-Schools Green Flags at all six sites. Area manager Ashley Williams-Day noted they were surprised by the quick implementation of the climate action plan. “Although we have a strong management team, not all nurseries are so lucky,” she remarked.
Each Honeypot nursery has eco-school leads who collaborate with children and parents on sustainability initiatives. These might include sewing projects to discuss clothing waste and connecting kids with environmental realities. Williams-Day emphasizes the importance of teaching children about concepts like pollution and waste to inspire future change.
The climate action plan at Honeypot focuses on four areas: reducing carbon emissions, adapting to climate changes, fostering resilience, and enhancing biodiversity. Williams-Day explained that this was not just about replacing lightbulbs but planning for extreme weather and building efficiency.
Cheryl Hadland, founder of Tops Day Nurseries, speaks on the importance of sustainability awareness in early childhood. Tops Day Nurseries has been net-zero since 2022. They monitor energy use across their 33 locations to evaluate carbon footprints. Hadland believes incorporating sustainability into everyone’s job description is vital for long-term success. “It’s not just one person’s responsibility,” she emphasizes.
Both Honeypot and Tops provide a blueprint for how nurseries can engage children in sustainability, from “plant-to-plate” activities to learning basic cooking skills. “As we teach kids, we also teach staff who sometimes struggle to keep up,” says Williams-Day. This system not only educates children but builds a community aware of their environmental responsibilities.
Statistics show that educational settings that focus on sustainability tend to inspire families to adopt eco-friendly practices, creating a ripple effect in the community. Social media reactions show many parents supporting these initiatives and sharing ideas and resources, which points to a growing trend towards eco-awareness.
For those looking to enhance their sustainability efforts, resources are available. The **Climate Ambassadors Program** offers free advice tailored to each setting. The **National Education Nature Park** program helps make outdoor spaces more biodiverse, while the **Let’s Go Zero campaign** aims to help schools reach net-zero carbon by 2030, providing access to a climate action adviser. These resources are crucial tools for nurseries striving for a sustainable future.
