CLIMATE CHANGE

At Ellegreen Nursery School, we recognise the imperative need to educate our children about climate change and its profound implications for our world. Our Climate Change Curriculum is designed with the fundamental aim of equipping our young learners with the knowledge, awareness, and skills necessary to actively engage with this critical issue.

Our Climate Change Curriculum aims to:

• Allow our children to understand the scientific background surrounding climate change.
• Create awareness of the urgency and need for action.
• Teach the children about the impact of climate change and what they can do to make a difference to the future.
• Allow our children to articulate their feelings and emotions surrounding this area.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we embed climate change knowledge, understanding, and skill development within the 'Understanding the World' section of Development Matters. This vital component of our curriculum is delivered through carefully planned learning experiences that encourage exploration, play, and critical thinking.

Throughout this educational phase, our children will:

• Explore the natural world through outings and immersive experiences.
• Begin to cultivate an understanding and appreciation for the environment and all living organisms.
• Gain insight into the notion that their individual choices can indeed make a difference.
• Engage in discussions about simple practical actions they can undertake to conserve energy, recycle, and more.
• Recognise their observations regarding varying weather conditions.

At Ellegreen Nursery School, we understand the importance of teaching children about the significant global challenges that leaders are currently dealing with. We consider climate change to be at the forefront of these challenges and view it as our responsibility to ensure that our children possess not only the knowledge required to understand the issue but also the motivation to question potential solutions.

While the challenges associated with climate change may appear daunting and overwhelming to children, we strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which they can explore and reflect on the realities of our world. This approach helps foster a sense of shared responsibility among our young learners and cultivates their understanding and feeling of empowerment in the face of such pressing issues.

A vital aspect of our climate change education is establishing a connection with home, thereby granting children the opportunity to translate their learning into practical action. By encouraging sustainable practices within their homes and communities, we aim to reinforce the values we impart at school.

To support our curriculum, here is a thought-provoking and engaging video to help young children understand:

​CBeebies Explains The Environment 🌍

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​In addition to reading, we encourage parents and guardians to cultivate environmentally friendly habits at home. Here are our top ten tips to promote climate awareness and action within the family setting:

1. Avoid using the car for short journeys – cars are more polluting than other forms of transport such as bicycles, walking, or public transport.
2. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – sustainable shopping is key to helping the climate. Ensure that any unwanted items are either reused creatively or donated to a local charity shop.
3. Consider reducing meat consumption one or two days a week – the meat industry significantly contributes to global warming. Numerous meat-free alternatives are now available in supermarkets; why not test one and see if it resonates with your family's taste?
4. Use energy wisely – be mindful of heating, electricity, and water usage. Implementing energy-efficient light bulbs and unplugging unused electronics can lead to substantial savings as well!
5. Try growing your own fruits and vegetables – during the summer months, consider cultivating items such as tomatoes and strawberries. This practice not only cuts down on carbon emissions related to transport but also reduces non-recyclable packaging.
6. Opt for reusable items – utilise shopping bags and water bottles that can be reused. There are now even reusable sandwich bags and cosmetic products like cotton pads available.
7. Choose showers over baths – showers generally use significantly less water than baths.
8. Minimise food waste – buy only what your household truly needs. You might even explore setting up a compost area to convert food scraps into rich soil for gardening.
9. Spend quality time outdoors exploring nature – gaining a deeper understanding of and respect for nature is essential in combating climate change. Consider organising a litter-picking activity during your outdoor explorations.
10. Utilise your voice – help educate friends and family on adopting more environmentally friendly practices. Advocacy is a powerful tool for change!

At Ellegreen Nursery School, our commitment to fostering global citizens is unwavering. By integrating climate change education into our curriculum, we empower our children to face the pressing challenges of today with curiosity and determination. We invite and encourage all members of our community to engage with these initiatives, both within the school environment and at home, as we work collaboratively towards a sustainable future for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference.