25 April 2023
At Worldwide Kids, we know that we have future generations amongst us, so it is important that we lead by example. Our little guests are the next generation who will inherit the environmental challenges we face today, and it is essential to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to create a sustainable future. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and promoting mindful choices by practising sustainability in our operations and design services.
The snowball effect refers to the idea that small actions taken towards sustainability can build momentum and lead to bigger changes over time. By implementing sustainable materials, leading discussions and associating exciting, memorable activities around our environment and our responsibility to take care of it, we can inspire our little guests to think more broadly about how their actions can have a positive impact on the environment. As a result, we create a ripple of positive change that extends beyond the walls of our Kids Clubs and into the wider world.
Here are a few ways that Worldwide Kids practices sustainability within our services:
Equipment and Resources
Real, authentic resources are essential in the daily life of a professional childcare department, and are a huge part of our operations at Worldwide Kids. If you gave a child a plastic lemon, how would they know the way it looks inside? Or the way it tastes, smells and feels?
There are endless benefits of including authentic, natural materials and resources in a childcare facility. Not only do they engage multiple senses and create a rich sensory experience for children, but they also develop emotional intelligence, as natural materials often require more creative and imaginative play than synthetic materials. It also allows them to develop a connection with nature, which in turn promotes environmental awareness and a desire to preserve it.
We also encourage our teams to use resources that will have little to no impact on the environment. Whether that be recycled paper, biodegradable packaging, or sustainable art supplies, our operations teams are leading the evolution towards a more sustainable future. Liaising with other departments is a big part of the daily duty of our childcare teams – whether it is ‘stores’ getting rid of cardboard boxes, or gardeners refreshing plant life, we are there to put it all to good use.
“We believe that children are naturally geared towards an environment wider than their own; a craving to collect, connect and share with nature.” – James Gunn, Business Development Consultant at WK Management Consulting GmbH.
Activities
We are committed to encouraging sustainability and mindful choices when planning activities for children. To promote a sense of responsibility and respect for the natural environment, and ultimately give children the confidence to ask questions and explore the world they live in. Activities designed by Worldwide Kids offer a range of experiences that empower little guests, and give them the tools they need to make conscious decisions in their wider world, whilst maximising the potential fun to be had.
Following biophilic principles has been found to support cognitive function, physical health, and psychological wellbeing.
Our collaboration with other departments in resorts and the wider community is key to nurturing the experience that our young audience is having with us.
Leading activities and experiences surrounding our world assists children in developing a more comprehensive understanding beyond their immediate environment. By introducing them to different countries, cultures, languages and traditions, children become more open to diversities and respect for others. This is an important aspect of sustainability as it helps to create a more tolerant and peaceful world.
Concept and Design
Inspired by a multitude of theorists in the childcare world, we know that a natural and sustainable environment is one in which a child can thrive. Worldwide Kids designs and recommends childcare spaces based on the principles of Biophilia. Biophilia emphasises the importance of maintaining a strong connection to nature, and the many benefits that can be gained from doing so.
“We strive to create environments that have an abundance of natural light, promote outdoor activities, and are furnished with naturally sourced materials and plants. We do this because we know that connecting with nature enhances children’s wellbeing and cultivates value and awareness of their world, their future, and the choices they make and the consequences they may have.” – Emma Young, Operations Director at WK Management Consulting GmbH.
Long gone are the days of careless printing, plastic toys, and little awareness of the negative impacts on our environment. As the world continues to shift towards a more sustainable future, it is essential that childcare operations do the same because after all, they are our future generation. It is more important than ever for childcare facilities to promote sustainable practices, and that begins with the design and resources on offer. Moving away from mass-produced plastic decorations and toys, to sustainable, durable and high-quality materials reflects a growing awareness of the importance of sustainability and the need to reduce our impact on the environment for the sake of future generations.
Digital
Childcare requires extensive paperwork, which are required by law, to ensure and maintain regulatory compliance with standards for safety and quality of care. Particularly in luxury resorts, with a high turnover of children day in, day out, sufficient documentation is vital.
Worldwide Kids went digital in 2019 after phasing out the bundles of admin and paperwork that comes with looking after the little guest. Our WK Kids Management System allows families to pre-book their childcare and complete all necessary registrations via their mobile, laptop or tablet and can be integrated into resort applications. Completing documents digitally reduces paper consumption in resort and conserves natural resources, whilst ensuring a smooth experience for guests.
It is crucial for the well-being of our planet and future generations that we encourage children to be responsible and conscious consumers from an early age. By role modelling sustainable habits in daily life, we can empower children to make informed choices that have a positive impact on the environment. As children grow and mature, their mindfulness and sustainability practices will continue to benefit both themselves and the world around them.
Our long-standing partnerships with the world leaders in luxury hospitality allow us to continue fostering and maintaining our commitment to our little guests, by ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate an ever-changing world. BETH KEVAN
Beth Kevan is a Business Development Consultant at Worldwide Kids.
Worldwide Kids 2023 Product Brochure
Book a call with Beth: beth.kevan@worldwide-kids.com
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