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Sustainability & Climate
Sunstainability & Climate Change
Our Mission for the Planet
To inspire a love for nature in every child and lead by example through sustainable practices that make a real difference.
Working Together for Change
By joining hands – children, families, and staff – we create a community where sustainable habits become second nature.
Living Our Green Values
Kindness, care, and respect for the Earth are at the heart of everything we do — shaping a brighter, healthier world for generations to come.
Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Nurturing Young Minds for a Greener Tomorrow
At What a Hoot Day Nursery, we recognize that early childhood education plays a crucial role in shaping the values and behaviors of future generations. As a setting dedicated to nurturing young minds, we believe it is our responsibility to lead by example in sustainability and environmental care. Climate change is one of the most significant challenges of our time, and as an early years provider, we are committed to integrating sustainable practices that reduce our carbon footprint and foster environmental awareness among children, parents, and staff.
Leading the Way in Early Years Sustainability
Our commitment aligns with the Department for Education's (DfE) sustainability and climate change strategy, which aims for all educational settings to have a sustainability lead and a climate action plan by 2025. We also embrace the Government’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Through this plan, we aim to instill a culture of environmental responsibility in our nursery community, ensuring that sustainability becomes a core part of our daily operations and curriculum.
Our Approach to Sustainability
We are implementing a structured approach to sustainability through four key areas: decarbonisation, adaptation and resilience, biodiversity, and climate education. Each of these areas supports our goal of reducing our environmental impact while fostering a deeper connection between children and nature.
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint – Decarbonisation
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Transitioning to LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances.
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Encouraging energy-saving habits such as turning off lights and devices when not in use.
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Reducing reliance on heating by promoting warm clothing indoors and mindful thermostat use.
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Minimising waste through recycling and reusing materials in learning and play.
Preparing for a Changing Climate – Adaptation and Resilience
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Educating children about weather patterns, seasonal changes, and environmental stewardship.
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Integrating more outdoor learning experiences to connect children with nature.
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Encouraging water conservation through mindful use in daily activities.
Enhancing Nature in Our Setting – Biodiversity
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Developing green spaces in our nursery, including gardens and planting areas.
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Encouraging wildlife conservation through bird feeding and bug habitats.
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Engaging children in hands-on activities like composting and upcycling projects.
Nurturing Future Change-makers – Climate Education and Green Careers
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Teaching children about climate change through stories, discussions, and hands-on projects.
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Encouraging children to think critically about their environmental impact.
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Appointing 'Eco Champions' among staff and creating an 'Eco Learners' group for children to lead initiatives.
Actions and Implementation
To turn our commitments into reality, we will implement the following action steps:
Appoint a Sustainability Lead
A designated individual or team will oversee the implementation and monitoring of this plan.
Conduct a Sustainability Audit
We will assess our current carbon footprint and identify key areas for improvement.
Set Measurable Goals
Targets will be established for reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and increasing engagement with sustainable practices.
Engage Parents and the Community
Regular newsletters, workshops, and events will inform and involve families in our sustainability efforts.
Monitor and Review Progress
Our climate action plan will be reviewed annually to measure progress, set new goals, and ensure continuous improvement.
NORTHUMBERLAND'S LARGEST NURSERY