Sustainability in the Early Years

In this inspiring film, Author and early years expert Laura Henry-Allain MBE speaks with Claire and Sarah, teachers from The Grove Nursery School in Peckham. Together, they explore what sustainability looks like in their early years practice. Illustrated with footage from the nursery, the video shows how the three pillars of sustainability—social, environmental, and economic—are embedded in daily routines, relationships, and a culture of care.

The Grove team draw on diverse influences to shape their approach, recognising the importance of listening to children's voices, engaging families, and building inclusive communities that support long-term wellbeing for people and planet alike.

Good for looking at

• Sustainability is not a standalone project but part of the nursery’s ethos and daily life
• Children are seen as capable, active participants in sustainability
• Educators draw from diverse thinkers and traditions
• Storytelling, empathy, and care are central to how children understand their impact on the world
• Sustainable practice includes economic and emotional sustainability—ensuring the setting is nurturing for staff, children, and families alike

Before watching the video, take a moment to consider:

• What does sustainability mean to you in an early years context?
• How do your current practices support care for people and the environment?
• In what ways do you include children’s and families’ perspectives in your setting?
• Are there particular voices, communities, or experiences that have shaped your thinking about sustainability?

Reflect

After watching the video, reflect on the following:

• How did Claire and Sarah describe sustainability in their setting?
• What everyday practices were used to embed the three pillars of sustainability?
• How did they involve children in decision-making and caring for the world around them?
• Were there any examples that challenged or expanded your understanding of sustainable practice?
• What role did family partnerships and community connections play in their work?

What next: Planning

Here are some suggestions for how you might use the film to inspire practice in your own setting:

• Start a staff discussion group using the reflection questions.
• Create a shared sustainability map: What are we already doing? What could we do more of?
• Invite families to share their own sustainability values, stories or cultural practices.
• Involve children in thinking about care and responsibility—for the environment and for each other.
• Use the video as a springboard for CPD on anti-bias and inclusive sustainability education.

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