Every child should have the freedom to discover the world. Now and in the future. At Basker International Childcare, formerly known as Zein International Childcare, we believe that children should not only get to know the world, but also learn how to take care of our planet. This is an important part of our pedagogical policy. Here’s how we put it into practice.
We believe it is vital for children’s development to have plenty of contact with nature. Playing outside makes them happy, strong and healthy, while also giving them the opportunity to learn about plants and animals.
At most locations, children can grow their own vegetables in a garden, allowing them to see with their own eyes how food grows.
Being mindful about materials begins with understanding where things come from. We explain the origins of materials, encourage reuse and introduce natural, cost-free items. Such as playing with what can be found outside. This sparks imagination and creativity. By learning from a young age to use materials consciously, children begin to develop a sustainability focussed lifestyle from an early age.
Sustainability is not only about the environment, but also about building lasting relationships with ourselves and those around us. We create an inclusive environment where children encounter diverse cultures and backgrounds. We share this world together. Therefore, we encourage children to take an active role in their local community, for example by participating in local initiatives and social activities.
Children learn best by example. That is why we not only explain that sustainability is important, but also practise it ourselves. We do this in several ways:
We consciously choose natural, durable, high-quality materials. We take our environmental impact seriously and carefully select furniture and toys. At mealtimes, we aim to use real crockery and glassware. We invest in sustainable, open-ended toys that last, and we make use of many free or recycled items such as buttons, strings, stones, branches, feathers, ribbons and paper scraps.
It is crucial that every child recognises themselves in their environment. We provide diverse and inclusive resources at our locations, from toys representing different backgrounds to books that reflect diversity. By showing children different perspectives and allowing them to experience them, we foster understanding and inclusivity.
At every Basker International Childcare location you will find some form of vegetable garden, ranging from a pot of herbs on a windowsill to larger vegetable patches outdoors. Here, children experience the magic of sowing, caring for, harvesting and preparing fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs. These indoor and outdoor gardens not only introduce them to the food cycle, but research also shows that this makes them more likely to choose healthy foods later in life.
Sustainability also means reflecting on the world around us. This means active participation in a day like:
Would you like to know more about sustainability and how we put it into practice? Feel free to ask your location manager. They are always open to questions and suggestions, because together we can grow further. Join us on our sustainability journey! Together we can create a lasting impact, not only for our children, but for the world in which they are growing up.