How Eco-Fashion Workshops Support the New DfE Enrichment Framework

Some people might still think that anything related to fashion is not serious enough for school. Fortunately, schools are increasingly recognising that learning doesn't only happen in the classroom. When I discussed it with Ms Wilson, headteacher at George Tomlinson Primary School in Leytonstone (London), she agreed that basic sewing and upcycling skills should be taught to young children, and the school is the best way to make it accessible to all.

Creative, practical experiences help children discover new interests, develop confidence and build skills that will stay with them long after primary school. Primary school children are not too young to understand the impact of fast fashion and climate change and eco-fashion can give them a way to feel like they’re doing something about it.

The Department for Education's new Enrichment Framework, published in June 2026, encourages schools to provide opportunities that inspire curiosity, creativity and personal development. Why does it matter? Because eco-fashion is a great example of how one activity can bring many of these aims together.

During an eco-fashion workshop, children become designers, makers and problem-solvers. They explore sustainable fashion by transforming unwanted textiles into something new, learning that creativity and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Along the way, they develop practical sewing skills, improve their fine motor coordination, practise planning and decision-making, and learn to persevere when something doesn't go quite to plan. They also experience the satisfaction of creating something unique with their own hands.

Eco-fashion naturally combines art, design, sustainability and life skills, making it an engaging enrichment experience for children of all abilities. It encourages collaboration, imagination and pride in creating something meaningful rather than disposable.

As schools continue to expand their enrichment opportunities, creative sustainability projects offer a memorable way to inspire children while helping them understand that small actions can make a big difference.

If you'd like to find out more about my Eco-Fashion Enrichment Workshops for primary schools, I'd love to hear from you.