“Children are the future, and as the global need for sustainable development increases, as does the need to implement sustainability into children’s education.”

This year, Australia will welcome its ‘first 100% vegan preschool’ to ‘weave sustainable and ethical practices’ into all aspects of a child’s life

The new eco-friendly and plant-based learning environment is called Sustainable Play Preschool and is opening its first centre north of Lake Macquarie in Barnsley, NSW.

According to the centre’s official website, the preschool will “provide delicious plant-based food and encourage playful learning in an environment surrounded by sustainable, conservationist practices.”

School menu

The centre’s menu includes nutrient-rich smoothies, fruit platters, rainbow nachos, carrot and zucchini muffins, baked tofu mac ‘n’ cheez, and vegan ice cream made using bananas.

The preschool will also offer soy and gluten-free plant-based options for children with allergies.

Stressing on the importance of good nutrition for kids, the centre states: “Children rely on the right balance of nutrients for healthy growth and development.

“Sustainable Play Preschool recognises the importance of good nutrition for kids. Reflecting this, we will provide healthy, local, plant-based food, made fresh daily onsite.”

Hands-on learning

According to non-profit organization, Vegan Australia, the children will also be encouraged to take part in planting, growing, and tending to fresh produce in the preschool garden. 

They will also help in harvesting, preparing, cooking, and completing the cycle by composting leftovers into the soil.

Sustainable practices

Apart from plant-based food, the curriculum is designed to support wholesome ‘unstructured meaningful play’ so that kids learn about the things that are most important to them at that point in time.

The school will also focus on sustainable practices, which include supporting local businesses, maintaining a vegetable garden, and using rainwater tanks.

Kids will also visit  local farms and national parks to ‘learn about the world through their experiences in nature’

The centre’s vision statement reads: “We envision a world where children grow aware of sustainable practices and animal ethics, advocating for the environmental health of our planet in a responsible and empowered way.

“Children are the future, and as the global need for sustainable development increases, as does the need to implement sustainability into children’s education.”

The centre is open for admissions and is hosting open days on February 6th & 20th.

• Read: More vegan meals to be added to Brighton school canteen menus

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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