The setting, which is part of the larger Tops Day Nurseries group, worked towards five objectives in order to gain the accreditation from marine conservation charity Surfers against Sewage.
The five objectives included banning single-use plastics within the nursery, organising a ‘Trash Mob’ (a high energy little pick in the grounds), asking for support from Government/local MPs and challenging manufacturers on their product waste.
Tops Day Nurseries in Havant is the first early years setting to achieve the accreditation, which was launched last November and initially aimed at schools. It is designed to equip children with the tools to create positive, lasting environmental change.
Nursery manager Barbara Chaitoff said, ‘I am so proud of how much hard work everyone has put in to achieve accreditation.
‘Protecting our environment is something we endorse throughout the Tops Day Nurseries family, and a passion of my own, so to be able to hold the plastic free status is fantastic.
‘We have already organised a number of beach cleans and activities to educate children on becoming environmentally sustainable, and look forward to making a difference to the world, our world, one step at a time.’
A representative from Surfers Against Sewage said, ‘Tops Havant has been innovative in adapting the programme to their specific situation, as the programme was initially designed for schools, not nurseries. We hope more nurseries will follow Tops Day Nurseries lead and take on the Plastic Free challenge!’
