Herb gardens, fruit trees and a worm farm are features of new outdoor space at Goodstart Cromer.
In a drive to increase sustainability at the centre, an unused space was transformed into a chicken coop, and a pigmy possum shelter and native bee hive are also in the planning stages. The space is used for small group work, gardening, harvesting and intentional teaching times.
Centre director Amanda Wilson said that the children, families and educators at the centre were deeply committed to sustainability.
“The work we have done so far is just the start of our plan to increase the sustainability of the centre. I believe that this could shape our centre vision and philosophy and lead to so many more opportunities,” Ms Wilson said.
The centre has worked with local businesses to improve its practices and develop its educational programs.
“This project has lifted our centre in so many ways. The area is thriving and has generated a lot of interest from the local community."
Last month a representative from APC Waste Consultants ran a workshop with the children about how to care for worm farms. The centre also worked with a local waste consultant this year to reduce centre waste.
As a result of their learnings from the centre, a number of families have now started sustainable projects of their own at home with the help of a local nursery ‘New Leaf’ which has been assisting the centre with its initiatives.
Goodstart research shows childhood is a critical period of time to involve children in sustainability and environment education so they develop lifelong practices that respect and help protect the planet.
In a drive to increase sustainability at the centre, an unused space was transformed into a chicken coop, and a pigmy possum shelter and native bee hive are also in the planning stages. The space is used for small group work, gardening, harvesting and intentional teaching times.
Centre director Amanda Wilson said that the children, families and educators at the centre were deeply committed to sustainability.
“The work we have done so far is just the start of our plan to increase the sustainability of the centre. I believe that this could shape our centre vision and philosophy and lead to so many more opportunities,” Ms Wilson said.
The centre has worked with local businesses to improve its practices and develop its educational programs.
“This project has lifted our centre in so many ways. The area is thriving and has generated a lot of interest from the local community."
Last month a representative from APC Waste Consultants ran a workshop with the children about how to care for worm farms. The centre also worked with a local waste consultant this year to reduce centre waste.
As a result of their learnings from the centre, a number of families have now started sustainable projects of their own at home with the help of a local nursery ‘New Leaf’ which has been assisting the centre with its initiatives.
Goodstart research shows childhood is a critical period of time to involve children in sustainability and environment education so they develop lifelong practices that respect and help protect the planet.