What does Climate and Sustainabilty mean for Moretonhampstead Primary School?

In April 2022, the department of Education released a sustainability and climate change strategy specifically for education.  By 2025, all education settings are expected to appoint a sustainability lead and develop a climate action plan.  This plan will guide schools in both implimenting and educating about various sustainability initiatives.  Our climate action plan has been created collaboratively the head teacher, our Eco team and our Let's Go Zero liasion.

Our ethos is deeply rooted in preparing our pupils for a sustainable future while celebrating our local heritage.  The core belief, "Global Awareness - Local Responsibility", captures our commitment to thinking globally and acting locally to address the climate crisis.  We strive to equip our students with the understanding and tools to make a positive impact on the world.  Respect and care for the environment have always been integral to our school culture.  We are fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful green spaces, wonderful moors and beaches are close by, and through our ourdoor learning, pupils regularly engage and appreciate the natural world.  Our children love being outdoors!

Building knowlege, understanding and action planning for change is woven throughout our curriculum, ensuring that our pupils develop a comprehensive understanding of environmental responsibility. 

How will Moretonhampstead Primary School deliver this climate action plan and monitor progress?

Our Climate action plan will focus on our four key areas: decarbonisation, adaptation and resilience, biodiversity and climate education and green skills.  Each of these areas will have clear objectives, with specificactions outlined for the current academic year.

Our entire school community - pupils, staff, parent groups, and the wider local community - will work collaboratively to bring this plan to life.  Engaging with everyone, listening to their ideas, and involving them in our Eco initiatives is crucial.  We will continue to build on existing relationships and forge new partnerships, leveraging shared resources and support to help meet our sustainability goals.

The delivery of our climate action plan will be regularly monitored and discussed with team.  To ensure the plan is implimented effectively, we will provide staff with the necessary time and resources to develop and carry out the actions.  Specific members of staff will be identified as leads for key elements of the plan.

This overarching climate action plan will be reveiwed and updated each year to reflect progress and evolving needs.  We will set new goals and assess our progress, ensuring we are on track to meet our sustainability targets.  Regular termly reviews will help keep us focused and accountable as we work towards our long term vision.