How Early Years Settings Are Becoming Eco Champions

As new government requirements place environmental sustainability at the forefront of educational provision, early years settings are rising to the challenge by embedding eco-conscious practices throughout their operations. Nurseries and childcare providers are increasingly prioritising sustainable resources, energy-efficient buildings, and nature-based learning experiences that foster environmental awareness from the earliest stages of childhood development. Karen Hart investigates how these settings balance the demands of new regulatory frameworks with practical, child-centred approaches to sustainability. From reducing single-use plastics to creating biodiverse outdoor spaces, early years professionals are demonstrating that environmental stewardship can be woven seamlessly into daily practice. This shift not only supports national carbon reduction targets but also instils lifelong values of ecological responsibility in the next generation, proving that even the smallest learners can become champions for the planet.