From water monitors to vegetable gardens: Inside a morning at Kiddi Caru Whiteley during Eco Week

As World Environmental Day approaches, I recently visited Kiddi Caru Day Nursery and Preschool Whiteley alongside members from Grandir UK’s marketing team to see how the nursery brings environmental awareness to life through its Eco-Schools journey.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that sustainability is not something that happens during a dedicated lesson or a themed week. Instead, it is woven into everyday nursery life, helping children develop an understanding of the natural world through play, exploration and meaningful experiences.

Our morning began with a thorough tour of the nursery, and one of the first things that struck me was the scale of the setting. Bright, spacious rooms stretched throughout the nursery, each thoughtfully designed to encourage children to explore, develop and learn. Every room felt full of possibility, whether children were immersed in imaginative play, creative activities or independent learning.

As we moved through the nursery, we saw first-hand how Whiteley’s team creates an environment where curiosity is encouraged and children are empowered to take ownership of their learning in a fun way. It was a wonderful example of Grandir UK’s locally led, nationally supported approach, with the passion and creativity of the local team shining through in every space.

A tea party with a purpose

One of my favourite moments from the visit happened completely unexpectedly. As we walked through one of the rooms, a tea party was in full swing. Tiny cups and saucers were spread across the table, but this wasn’t just snack time. Alongside the tea set sat Whiteley’s eco-reflective journal.

As we watched, children excitedly flicked through its pages, stopping to point out photographs of litter picks, planting projects and recycling activities. With gentle encouragement from practitioner Leah, they chatted about what they had achieved and how their actions were helping the environment. It was a lovely snapshot of how environmental awareness is woven naturally into everyday nursery life.

The eco-reflective journal documents the nursery’s ongoing Eco-Schools journey, capturing children’s learning, activities and reflections over time. Looking through the journal together gave children the opportunity to revisit their experiences and see the impact of their efforts, helping them understand that even small actions can have a huge impact on the planet and future generations.

Children leading change through the Eco Council

The journal also gave us an insight into Whiteley’s Eco Council. Made up of children, the council gives young voices a genuine platform to help shape environmental initiatives across the nursery. Together, they gather evidence through child-friendly audits of the nursery and local area, looking at ways they can take positive action to improve their environment and raise awareness. Discussions focus on topics such as reducing food waste, improving recycling habits, using reusable water bottles and protecting natural habitats.

What stood out most was how seriously the children took their role. They weren’t simply learning about environmental issues; they were actively helping to identify solutions and make changes within their nursery community. For children in their early years, that sense of ownership and responsibility is incredibly powerful.

Meeting Whiteley’s water monitors

Another highlight of the morning was seeing Whiteley’s water monitors in action. Before beginning their checks, the children proudly collected their water monitor badges and carefully placed them around their necks with pride. There was an immediate sense of excitement and purpose as they prepared to head off on their important mission. Together they travelled around different areas of the nursery checking taps and looking for opportunities to save water.

What was so lovely to witness was how seriously the children took their responsibilities while still having fun. They carefully inspected sinks, confidently shared their observations and eagerly discussed why saving water matters. Along the way, a practitioner gently guided the children, encouraging them to think about anything they might have missed and helping extend their understanding through thoughtful questions and conversations.

These simple yet meaningful experiences help children develop responsibility while learning about natural resources and the importance of caring for the earth. It was a brilliant example of how eco learning can happen naturally through everyday routines.

Stepping into Whiteley’s outdoor world

After exploring the nursery indoors, we ventured outside into Whiteley’s impressive outdoor area. Surrounded by mature trees and thoughtfully designed play areas, the garden felt like an extension of the nursery’s learning environments. Children have countless opportunities to spend time engaging in outdoor activities, connect with nature and explore the world around them. As we walked around the expansive grounds, we discovered flourishing vegetable gardens, colourful flower plots and growing spaces lovingly cared for by the children.

The gardens provide opportunities for children to plant seeds, grow their own food and learn about how different plants develop over time. This is also a part of Grandir UK’s bespoke educational programme Sow & Grow. Along the way, children encounter insects, birds and other wildlife, helping them build a deeper understanding of natural habitats and biodiversity.

Standing amongst the vegetable beds, it was easy to see why these experiences leave such a lasting impression. Children are not only learning where food comes from; they are developing a genuine love of nature and an appreciation for the environment around them.

Eco Week in action

Our visit took place during Eco Week, and the excitement could be felt throughout the nursery.

Throughout the week, children had been taking part in a range of children’s eco learning activities designed to help them understand sustainable practices in a fun and engaging way. Each day focused on a different environmental theme.

Active Travel Day encouraged children and families to walk, scoot or cycle to nursery to help reduce their carbon footprint.

Reuse and Recycling Day saw children transform cardboard boxes, cereal boxes and recycled paper into imaginative creations while learning about waste reduction and using the recycling bin correctly.

Wear Green Day (the day of our visit) sparked conversations about caring for the planet and how small everyday actions can help support future generations.

Wildlife Day gave children opportunities to explore natural habitats, plant flowers and learn how to support birds, bees and other important pollinators.

Finally, Clean Up Day encouraged children to take pride in their surroundings through litter picking activities around the nursery and local park.

Rather than presenting concepts such as climate change as something distant or overwhelming, the team helps children understand how small positive actions can make a difference.

Eco friendly activities – Working together with families and the wider community

One thing that became particularly clear during our visit was that Whiteley’s Eco-Schools journey extends far beyond the nursery gates. Families are actively encouraged to continue eco activities at home, supported through free resources and ideas shared by the nursery team, helping children connect their nursery experiences with everyday life.

During Eco Week, families embraced activities ranging from litter picking to growing cress heads at home, sharing photographs and feedback with the nursery team.

One parent shared:

“Adam really enjoyed having the litter picker stick, he did a great job collecting lots of rubbish – thank you!”

Another said:

“These are Amalee’s cress heads that she made following Eco Week. Thank you for the seeds. She really enjoyed doing it. It was a lovely touch.”

These moments demonstrate how environmental awareness can continue beyond the nursery environment, creating meaningful opportunities for children, parents and carers to work together towards a shared goal.

It is this partnership between nursery, home and community that helps make Whiteley’s approach so impactful.

Shaping a greener future together

As our visit came to an end, I left with a real sense of optimism. Whether it was children proudly wearing their water monitor badges, reflecting on their achievements through the eco journal, tending to vegetable gardens or exploring the natural world outdoors, every experience was helping to build environmental awareness from an early age.

At Kiddi Caru Whiteley, sustainability isn’t treated as a one-off topic. It is embedded into everyday life through meaningful experiences, child-led learning and a genuine connection with the local community. Through play, exploration, new idea generation and taking positive action, children are developing the confidence, curiosity and understanding needed to care for the environment now and in the future.

Want to see more?

If you would like to see Whiteley’s Eco-Schools journey in action, we would be delighted to welcome you for a visit and show you how our children are learning to care for the world every day.

You can also follow us on our social media channels to discover more eco-led activities and initiatives the Whiteley children take part in!