Inverness College Nursery Kids Learn Eco Lessons Early

Youngsters at Inverness College UHI Nursery have been developing green fingers as part of efforts to protect the environment and improve quality of life.

Pre-school children at both the Longman and Midmills nurseries operated by the College are learning more about sustainability and looking after the planet as they work towards achieving Eco Schools status. It’s all part of a wider initiative whereby the young people interact more fully with the natural environment.

Some of the activities recently undertaken by the children include litter picking, a One Planet picnic, water preservation, recycling and even growing their own fruit and vegetables. Having already achieved a bronze award in the Eco Schools programme, staff and children are now pursuing further recognition for their environmentally friendly work.

Cat Mackenzie , Senior Childcare Officer at Inverness College UHI Nursery explains: ‘The kids were already growing foods like potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and strawberries in a green house we had made from recycled plastic bottles. We thought it would be great for them to see how to actually use the ingredients to make tasty, healthy things to eat. We held the One Planet picnic, inviting Supported Learning students to come along and enjoy the fun. The Nursery is really keen to work more closely with other College departments and we had a fantastic day. The children really benefitted from a special drumming session with the Supported Learning students.’

In addition youngsters attending the Nursery are now engaging more frequently with nature, thanks to following the Scandinavian model for pre-school development. Outdoor nurseries are common in countries like Norway, Sweden and Denmark but are relatively rare in Scotland. Independent studies have shown numerous advantages to this kind of early years education, including improvements to physical co-ordination, attention span and immune system. Every Tuesday the Nursery children head out to the woods at Balloch for play in the outdoor forest environment. Nursery Manager Irene McRae said: ‘The benefits of this kind of experience are so great, we want to take full advantage of the access we have to the woods through Inverness College. Staff members are undertaking specific training towards a Forestry School Qualification and in the future we are hoping to spend the full day there at least once a week. Our colleagues in the Forestry department have been so accommodating, helping us plan and prepare to give the children this wonderful opportunity, no matter what the weather.’