Eco Schools Green Flag Award: What is it and why is it important to Grandir UK?

As you might have seen across our blog over the past few weeks, over five of our day nurseries and pre-schools at Grandir UK have achieved their Green Flag Award as a part if the Eco Schools programme.

We have been absolutely thrilled for all of our nurseries who have achieved this award and have dedicated time and energy to including eco-friendly activities within their setting.

But why do we make such a fuss about this Eco Schools accreditation? Well, read on to find out why…

The Eco Schools organisation

The Eco Schools programme strives to encourage nurseries, pre-schools, schools and colleges to include environmental education within their teaching to encourage sustainable development for the next generation of thinkers, leaders and influencers.

The Eco Schools programme was first established in 1994 and has made tremendous progress with many educational providers to immerse young people within ten Eco Schools topics, which breaks down areas of environmental challenges into small activities for them to do.

The Eco-Schools work is based on a framework that consists of seven steps that empowers children to take eco-friendly action in their schools, green spaces and local government.

The Green Flag Award scheme

Eco Schools Green Flag Award is an internationally recognised accreditation that showcases that an educational provider is making steps to protect their environment, parks and green spaces.

The Green Flag award can be applied for through an online portal and any educational provider can apply for this scheme. All accreditations are reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that organisations are continuously upkeeping their environmental education and creating a welcoming place for young people.

All Green Flag Award entries are reviewed a a group of volunteer judges to ensure accreditations are given out fairly.

Why is it important to us?

At Grandir UK, we have a strong devotion to the environment and eco-friendly action to ensure a healthier, stable, and sustainable world for the children we care for.

We have big aims this year to reduce our carbon footprint with waste management and reducing unnecessary travel across our network of nurseries, which will be able to measure our progress against our survey from 2023.

We believe that the Eco Schools organisation aligns with our aims, and believe that each and every child should be given the environmental knowledge to make informed decisions about our planet as they grow.

That’s why it is one of our company goals to have each and every Grandir UK nursery and pre-school enrolled and maintaining an Eco-School accreditation by 2025.

Our dedication to environmental education

We encourage all our nurseries and pre-schools to include eco-friendly activities within their setting.

From visiting parks to participating in forest school sessions, from litter picking in local communities to taking part in the Keep Britain Tidy campaign, it all contributes to a better planet for everyone.

At Grandir UK, we included an ‘Environmental Aware & Responsible’ educational programme in our offering.

Our ‘Environmental Aware & Responsible’ programme incorporates activities such as Sow & Grow to encourage young people to spend time outside in the fresh air, while teaching them how to grow various plants, fruits and vegetables.

Not only does our ‘Sow & Grow’ programme teach children about growing plants, but it also fosters physical development, a foundation to support them as they transition to school and beyond.

Join one of our Grandir UK’s day nurseries and pre-schools for a better world!

If environmental awareness is something you are also passionate about and would like to incorporate into your little one’s early years development, then look no further than a Grandir UK nursery and pre-school!

Loads of our day nurseries and pre-schools are Eco Schools Green Flag accredited and incorporate other eco friendly action within their setting.

Find your nearest nursery and pre-school on the Grandir UK website to book a visit or speak to our friendly Parent Engagement team for more information today!