Partou Alexandra Day Nursery and Preschool in Redditch has been officially recognised as a ‘plastic free nursery’ following its successful completion of the Plastic Free Schools Accreditation. The nursery, located on the grounds of Alexandra Hospital, has been lauded for its dedication to reducing single-use plastics and fostering a sustainable environment for its children.
The Plastic Free Schools initiative, which was launched in 2018, is a nationwide programme designed to equip young learners with the tools to tackle the environmental challenges posed by single-use plastics. Partou Alexandra embraced the programme in 2022, with nursery manager Holly Browning noting that the initiative perfectly aligned with the nursery’s broader eco-friendly ethos.
Sustainable Practices Take Root
Throughout the accreditation process, children at the nursery played a pivotal role in learning about the impact of plastics and actively reducing their use within their learning environment. “The children have learnt to recognise recycling symbols and help us recycle every day,” Browning explained. “We’ve focused on utilising reusable products wherever possible, and our use of single-use plastics has dropped significantly.”
The nursery has incorporated sustainability into every aspect of its operations. Much of the furniture and learning materials, including loose parts and “curious treasures,” are pre-loved and sourced from local charity shops or recycling stations. The team has also found creative ways to repurpose everyday items, a practice encouraged by donations from families.
Hands-On Learning About the Environment
The nursery’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond reducing plastic waste. In an effort to promote eco-friendly habits, the children regularly participate in ‘trash mob’ challenges, where they safely collect litter around the nursery grounds. These activities are designed not only to improve their environment but also to instil a deeper understanding of the impact of waste.
“We’ve also incorporated a wealth of literature aimed at teaching children about the importance of taking care of the environment,” Browning said. “These books often inspire child-led discussions and activities that reinforce the lessons around sustainability.”
The nursery’s outdoor spaces are also used to enhance their environmental education. The children maintain a ‘critter corner,’ keep chickens, and grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are harvested for snacks or cooking activities. The aim is to help the children understand where their food comes from and how to care for living things.
A Symbol of Success
To celebrate their achievement, the children created a piece of art as their final objective for the accreditation. The result was “Roger the Recycling Robot,” a junk-modelling masterpiece that now sits proudly in the nursery’s recycling station, serving as a daily reminder of their commitment to the planet.
Samantha Rhodes, Managing Director of Partou, praised the efforts of the nursery team and the children in earning the plastic free status. “This journey began with Holly’s personal dedication to sustainability,” Rhodes said. “Her passion was quickly adopted by her team and, together, they’ve reached a commendable milestone.”
The Plastic Free Schools Accreditation is a testament to the collective effort of the nursery to adopt eco-friendly practices, and it serves as an example of what can be achieved when sustainability becomes a shared goal within a community.