As part of the international initiative to empower children and young people to take action toward improving the environment and the world they live, Nursery Manager, Tracey Tearle and her team set about developing an action plan that would allow them to do just that.

Tracey commented, “Sustainability was already something that we had introduced to the curriculum however working towards this award gave us the opportunity to explore this in more depth.

‘Although there were seven elements and ten topics which had to be implemented with the children, their families and the community we had to choose three key areas to focus on – these being litter, waste managements and water.”

With these three elements in mind the team implemented a litter picking programme which coincided with the Keep Scotland Beautiful campaign, built an eco-greenhouse from plastic bottles which was done in partnership with the College’s Enterprise students and introduced a water cycle which involved the children monitoring their water usage.

With the green flag being the highest achievable award Tracey is undoubtedly pleased with the work and dedication of the staff, children and their parents in helping them achieve this status.

“It’s been a fantastic collaborative project. I’m delighted with the changes that we have made within the nursery, college and our local community in terms of recycling, water minimisation, litter picking and water waste.

The children have learned a great deal and have taken their new found knowledge home to share with their families.