Big truck sparks curiosity about sustainability at Nido Maylands

There are moments in a learning journey where something simple becomes truly memorable, and for the children at Nido Maylands, the arrival of the Cleanaway truck was exactly that.

On 15 June 2026, excitement filled the air as children from Classrooms 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 gathered to welcome a very special visitor. The truck itself was impressive, but what made the experience meaningful was how it brought learning to life in a way that felt real, tangible and connected to the children’s everyday world. There was a shared sense of joy across the service, even extending to adults, as everyone embraced the opportunity to climb aboard and explore.

Lauren from Cleanaway played a key role in shaping the experience. Through conversation, curiosity and a warm approach, she invited the children to think about sustainability in ways that were both accessible and engaging. Discussions around the purpose of the green, red and yellow bins sparked genuine interest, with children confidently sharing their own ideas about how they could care for the environment.

The experience became something more than a visit; it became a moment of discovery. As children explored the truck up close, asked questions and made observations, learning naturally extended into new areas. Counting tyres, comparing features and noticing details created opportunities for numeracy development, all grounded in real-life context.

Reflecting on the experience, what stood out most was not just the excitement, but the depth of understanding that emerged. The children began to see themselves as active participants in caring for their environment. This aligns strongly with Quality Area 3, as the environment became both the context and the catalyst for learning.

Most importantly, the experience did not end when the truck left. It created a ripple effect and one that continues to influence conversations, routines and the children’s developing sense of responsibility. It is through these authentic moments that learning becomes meaningful, lasting, and deeply connected to the world around them.