Sustainability
Climate Change and Sustainability Action Plan
What is a Climate Action Plan?
In April 2022, the Department for Education published its Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for education. The strategy sets out an expectation that by 2025 all education settings will appoint a sustainability lead and develop a climate action plan. This plan will support schools in implementing sustainability initiatives and embedding climate education across the curriculum.
Why Do We Want to Act?
Our ethos is rooted in preparing our pupils for a sustainable future while celebrating and respecting our local heritage. Our guiding principle, “Global Awareness – Local Responsibility,” reflects our commitment to thinking globally and acting locally in response to the climate crisis. We aim to equip our children with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a positive difference in the world.
Respect and care for the environment are embedded in our school culture. Located in Chester, we are fortunate to offer rich outdoor learning experiences. Through regular outdoor learning and our Forest School programme, pupils develop a strong connection with nature and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
Sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are woven throughout our curriculum. Children learn about protecting life on land (SDG 15) through studies of global and local areas, while local area studies explore land use and community impact, linking to SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities. Pupils consider real-life questions such as how local spaces are used and how communities can be developed sustainably.
Through topics including Extreme Earth, Weather, Seasons and Rivers, children explore climate patterns, water conservation, and environmental responsibility, supporting learning around SDG 13, Climate Action, and SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation. When studying natural disasters such as volcanoes and earthquakes, pupils examine both human and environmental impacts, developing an understanding of resilience and respect for natural forces.
Environmental education is also enriched through topics such as oceans and continents, polar regions, sustainable food practices, and the work of environmental champions like Sir David Attenborough, inspiring pupils to care for and protect our planet.
In response to the growing climate crisis, its impact on children’s wellbeing, and the skills needed for life in the 2030s, we recognise the need to go further. Our Climate Action Plan is a key part of our school development strategy and a core governance priority. It will be reviewed regularly to ensure sustainability is considered in all decisions, from everyday practices to long-term planning. By modelling sustainable behaviours, we aim to demonstrate our respect for the planet and inspire our pupils to become responsible environmental citizens of the future.
How will we deliver our Climate Action Plan and monitor progress?
Our Climate Action Plan focuses on four key areas: decarbonisation, adaptation and resilience, biodiversity, and climate education and green skills. Each area has clear objectives, with targeted actions identified for the current academic year.
We encourage our whole school community to be involved in working together to bring our sustainability goals to life. We value collaboration, listening to ideas, and encouraging participation in our green initiatives. By building on existing relationships and developing new partnerships, we aim to share expertise, resources, and support to strengthen our impact.
Our Sustainability Lead Governor is Laura Gauntlett.
Miss Wong (KS2 Lead) and Mrs Harrison (KS1 Lead)
Our current focus is:
Autumn Term: reducing, reusing and recycling
Spring Term: Energy saving, reducing water and food waste and sustainable travel.
