Kiddi Caru Day Nursery continues to be one of the best Eco Schools nursery in Bedford!

Once again Kiddi Caru Day Nursery & Preschool in Bedford has continued to retain their Eco Schools Green Flag award, this time with a Distinction.

By gaining the highest achievement, the day nursery has demonstrated their continuous dedication to being one of the best Eco Schools nursery in Bedford, and their commitment to support and drive forward ideas to achieve the best possible future for young people, making this one of the core values of this nursery and preschool.

What is this Eco Award?

The international Eco-Schools scheme involves millions across both nurseries and schools to tackle environmental issues and encourage educational settings take part in a sustained environmental project.

The programme offers a straightforward, seven-step framework that empowers young people to make a real difference in their school, local community, and beyond! Since 1994, millions of children worldwide have followed the Seven Steps framework, earning the prestigious Eco-Schools Green flag accreditation in the process.

Children at nurseries, preschools or schools immerse themselves within three or more of the Ten Eco-Schools Topics. These topics break down broad, global issues into more manageable, focused themes, encouraging young people to spread environmental messages across their schools, England and worldwide.

Whether it’s growing vegetables, creating bug hotels or participating in environment plays, there are many ways young minds can play a huge part in making the world around them a better place.

What did Kiddi Caru Day Nursery in Bedford do?

The day nursery and preschool put together a passionate eco committee which was made up of a lot of nursery children and a few staff members. They used natural resources, recycled materials, their whit and wisdom to champion eco friendly action in their local areas and in adult lives.

Here’s an in depth dive into what they did…

Passion driven projects with a big impact

The eco committee chose projects for their action plan that the children were passionate about, focusing on where they could make a significant impact.

This approach ensured that the nursery’s eco-friendly efforts resonate deeply with the children, fostering greater engagement and enthusiasm. By integrating their interests, the nursery not only enhanced environmental education but also taught their little ones emotional life skills, developing empathy for the world around them.

Implementing a sustainable water system

One standout sustained environmental project from their Eco-Schools report was their idea to create water catchers, which will contribute to a sustainable water system. These devices are designed to collect and reuse rainwater, reducing the nursery’s reliance on the water from the mains and taught the children about the importance of water conservation.

This hands-on project for the older children not only provides practical environmental learning but also instils a sense of responsibility towards resource management from an early age.

Engaging environmental learning

The nursery’s curriculum is packed with practical and fun environmental learning opportunities which centre around natural and recycled materials.

These activities are crucial for engaging young minds and helping them understand important ecological issues. From growing vegetables to exploring biodiversity, little ones are encouraged to interact with nature in meaningful ways.

This hands-on approach has been remarkably effective, as evidenced by the children’s increased awareness of biodiversity and their newfound interest in insect observations and dedication to caring for bugs and other small creatures by creating bug hotels.

Expanding eco-efforts within the community

The nursery manager is committed to extending her environmental education beyond the nursery grounds.

They have actively participate in community initiatives such as World Bee Day, The Big Garden Birdwatch, and National Children’s Gardening Week. These events provide additional platforms for children to engage with the environment, learn about different species, and understand the broader impact of their actions.

Overcoming environmental education challenges

Despite the nursery being located in an area with limited green spaces and surrounded by many flats, the day nursery in Bedford has managed to create an enriching environment for their children.

The nursery includes a large garden where children can experience nature first hand. Features like mud kitchens and herb gardens offer unique opportunities for sensory activities and environmental education, allowing children to explore and appreciate biodiversity in ways they might not otherwise experience.

The power of song in environmental education

A highlight of Kiddi Caru Bedford’s green flag award report, was their Eco-Code song, which received high praise from the Eco-Schools organisation.

Songs can be an incredibly effective form of communication, especially for young children. The nursery’s catchy and memorable Eco-Code song helps reinforce eco-friendly messages in an engaging and accessible way, ensuring that these important lessons stick with each and every child.

Louise Higgins, Regional Manager for Kiddi Caru, Bedford, comments…

“I’m so proud of the Kiddi Caru Day Nursery & Preschool team in Bedford who have gone above and beyond to achieve their Eco-Schools Green Flag Award with distinction!

This award is a testament to the nursery manager and her team’s dedication to making sure that each and every child has access to environmental education and eco-friendly practices. I want to thank the hardworking and knowledgeable team at Kiddi Caru Bedford, who fully deserve this green flag accreditation.”

Fostering a greener future at Grandir UK

Grandir UK owns many nurseries all across England, and strives to spread environmental awareness and responsibility, which are integral to their educational programmes offered to all.

The ‘Environmental Aware & Responsible’ programme, including the ‘Sow & Grow’ module, inspires children to make informed, eco-friendly decisions. By spending time outdoors and learning how to grow plants, children develop a deep appreciation for nature and the environment.

Kiddi Caru Bedford’s achievement of this eco award with distinction is a remarkable milestone! It highlights the nursery’s dedication to fostering a sustainable future and sets an inspiring example for other educational institutions.

Well done to all the children and staff at Kiddi Caru Bedford! For more information on their eco-friendly activities, visit their nursery page on the Grandir UK Website.