There was cause for celebration at Devonshire Day Nursery in Chiswick as proud children and colleagues learnt that they had received another prestigious eco-accreditation.

After scooping a ‘Green Flag’ with distinction as part of the international Eco-Schools programme last year, children from the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Day setting on Bennett Street were delighted to earn the top award for the second year running, following a sustained environmental project and curriculum of ‘green’ topics, involving all ages.

The accolade, which is the highest achievement in the international programme, recognises sustainable initiatives in nursery, which include growing vegetables, creating habitats for wildlife, crafting with natural and recycled materials, litter picking sessions and more.

This year, Devonshire children and colleagues have put emphasis on global citizenship by sponsoring a polar bear to help protect the creatures from climate change, as well as focusing on garden biodiversity by planting bee friendly flowers and installing bug hotels.

Devonshire also has its own dedicated Eco-Committee, which is led by a devoted Eco-Representative and made up of a number of Pre-School children who take a lead role in ensuring the rest of nursery is environmentally considerate by ensuring resources like paper aren’t wasted, taps are not left running and that knowledge is shared.

Praising the achievement, an Eco-Schools Representative explained;

“Your hard work and dedication has inspired young people and empowered them with the belief that they can positively impact our planet – this is something incredibly special. Thank you for submitting such a terrific application. We have loved reading about your journey this year and think that the positive messages you are giving your children about charity and looking after our wildlife is a real strength of your application.”

Devonshire Day Nursery Manager, Emmy Avery said;

“We are immensely proud of our nursery children for their extraordinary achievement. They are the future stewards of our planet, and with their unwavering dedication, we are confident that a greener and more sustainable world is within reach.”

Childbase Partnership has recently been named ‘Early Years Provider of the Year’ by Keep Britain Tidy for earning the Eco-Schools ‘Green Flag’ award in every single nursery setting, a record-breaking sector first, which recognises exceptional environmental awareness efforts.