They are designed to enable early years practitioners and parents to teach about the importance of living a more sustainable lifestyle and to give advice on projects such as recycling, energy-saving, litter awareness and growing in nursery outdoor areas.
The Scottish minister for children and early years, Adam Ingram MSP, met children and parents at Hollandbush Nursery School in Hamilton, where the initiative was launched last week. The nursery has been commended by Eco-Schools Scotland for its commitment to green issues.
Nursery manager Margaret Butcher said, 'We know how important it is for the children to be aware of their environment and the impact they have. It's responsible citizenship. We were awarded our Green Flag using Eco-School resources, but had to adapt it to our children. It wasn't user-friendly for early years.'
Kate Campbell, manager of Eco-Schools Scotland, said, 'The aim is to make it easier for early years practitioners to get involved and give them ideas. The main difference is that adults will now lead the programme and give more guidance with a seven-step process. Rupert Bear is used to illustrate each step, such as putting litter into a recycling bin and there are colouring sheets and stories to engage the children.
'We are looking forward to seeing many more nurseries getting involved in the scheme in the future,' she added.
More than 100 nurseries have achieved a Green Flag Award.
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