Sustainable vegan preschool due to open in February 2021 in New South Wales

A preschool which will serve entirely plant-based meals and focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices is set to open in Newcastle, New South Wales, later this month. 

Sustainable Play Preschool will cater to children aged three to five years, weekdays (excluding public holidays) from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM. 

The preschool has been built with a sustainable focus, and includes standard sustainability features such as solar panels, rainwater tanks and worm farms, as well as providing plant based meals exclusively, and prioritising local suppliers to reduce mileage on consumables. 

Resources are made by children and educators at the service where possible, or purchased second hand, and the service has outlined that damaged items will be repaired on site wherever possible. Resources will be supplemented by natural items found in the environment to use in nature play and as loose parts play. 

“Our educators implement intentional teaching strategies and lead by example to inspire children to become environmental advocates,” information about the preschool said. 

“Educators engage in sustainable practices and teach these routines as a core element of our educational curriculum. Everyday at our preschool, children are composting, implementing energy and water saving practices, caring for the environment, growing their own food, harvesting fruits and vegetables, saving seeds, and engaging in garden-to-kitchen experiences when possible.”

Children will be fed plant based meals and snacks while attending the service, the cost of which is included in the fees. A qualified chef will prepare the meals onsite using a rotating menu system which has been developed in partnership with a registered dietitian. 

“At Sustainable Play we encourage children to learn where their food comes from and to empower them with the tools to eat sustainably while being kind to our planet and its animals.  Children will be invited to participate in planting, growing, and tending to fresh produce in the preschool garden, harvesting, helping prepare, cook, and complete the cycle by composting leftovers into soil,” the service website reads. 

“We envision a future where children develop the skills to be self-sufficient and less reliant on inefficient and detrimental global food systems, most importantly with an appreciation for good, real, whole food from the earth that fuels and nourishes their bodies.” 

For more information, visit Sustainable Play Preschool’s website.