Eco-Schools accredited nurseries

Learning to care for our world

The Eco-Schools programme brings environmental learning into everyday nursery experiences, helping children explore the natural world and discover simple ways to care for it.

Through hands-on experiences, children can explore topics such as nature, biodiversity, recycling, food, water and energy. It makes sustainability something children can see, explore and take part in as part of nursery life.

What is the Eco-Schools programme?

Eco-Schools is an international environmental education programme for schools, nurseries and other educational settings.

Our nurseries work through a seven-step framework, involving children in exploring environmental issues, identifying areas where they can make a difference and taking practical action.

Nurseries can work towards the internationally recognised Eco-Schools Green Flag Award, demonstrating their commitment to environmental education and action.

For children, sustainability becomes part of everyday nursery life through opportunities to explore nature, ask questions and take part in activities that support the environment.
Four children smile and explore a leafy garden beside a wooden fence, surrounded by ivy and plants on a bright, cheerful day.

Key principles of the Eco-Schools approach

Eco-Schools encourages children to explore nature, make thoughtful choices and learn how they can help care for the environment.

Environmental care

Caring for our world

Everyday experiences introduce ideas such as recycling, reducing waste, saving water and supporting wildlife, helping children explore how we can care for the environment.

Active participation

Learning by taking part

Children can get involved in environmental projects, from planting flowers and collecting water to litter picking, making learning practical and meaningful.

Sustainable habits

Everyday choices matter

Simple experiences around recycling, saving energy and reducing waste give children opportunities to explore more thoughtful ways to use resources.

Holistic learning

Learning through nature

From counting seeds and watching plants grow to working together on projects, environmental experiences can support learning in practical and engaging ways.

Exploring our world through everyday experiences

Environmental learning can happen in a lot of different ways.
Children can explore environmental themes through practical projects, outdoor learning and creative activities.

Find an Eco-Schools nursery

Nurseries across the GrandirUK network take part in the Eco-Schools programme, with settings working to achieve and retain the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.

Visit a nursery to see environmental learning in action, meet the team and learn more about the projects children are involved in.

What might children experience?

What a Eco-Schools nursery can feel like

Every Eco-Schools nursery has its own character and priorities, so environmental learning can look different from one setting to another. Children may take part in a variety of hands-on experiences that reflect their interests, nursery environment and the environmental topics their setting is exploring.

  • Growing and gardening

    Children might plant seeds, grow fruit and vegetables, care for flowers or create spaces that encourage wildlife into their nursery garden.

     

  • Everyday sustainable choices

    From recycling and composting to thinking about water and energy, children can become involved in simple environmental actions as part of everyday nursery life.

     

  • Exploring their local environment

    Children might take part in nature walks, bug hunts, litter picks or other activities that help them discover and care for the environment around their nursery.

A smiling teacher helps three children explore plants in a sunny school garden, holding a sprig as they gather around raised beds.

How can Eco-Schools support children's learning?

Taking part in Eco-Schools experiences can give children opportunities to:

Explore the natural world

Observe and discover

Hands-on experiences encourage children to notice, investigate and ask questions about the world around them.

Think about problems and possibilities

Explore their ideas

Environmental projects can encourage children to think about what could change and contribute their own ideas.

Take part and contribute

Making a difference

Children can get involved in projects and explore the part they can play in caring for their environment.

Learn through real experiences

Learning by doing

Gardening, recycling, measuring and making can connect environmental topics with wider areas of early years learning.

Work together

Sharing ideas

Environmental activities give children opportunities to communicate, make decisions and work towards something together.

Get in touch

Have a question or need support? Our friendly team is here to help with nursery enquiries, admissions, funding, or anything else you need.