Eco and Sustainability at Haslam Park Primary School

Caring for Our Environment, Leading Positive Change

At Haslam Park Primary School, we believe that caring for our environment is an important part of educating responsible, informed and compassionate young people.

Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond individual lessons, environmental events or awards. We want children to develop the knowledge, values and practical skills needed to understand environmental challenges, make responsible choices and contribute positively to their school and wider community.

Our ambition is not simply to teach children about sustainability, but to empower them to become active participants in creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.

Through our Eco and Sustainability Group, curriculum learning, environmental projects and community partnerships, pupils have opportunities to develop responsibility, leadership, teamwork and a genuine sense of pride in their surroundings.

Our school vision, “Together we explore, learn and grow,” reflects our belief that meaningful change happens when pupils, staff, families and the wider community work together.

Why Sustainability Matters at Haslam Park

Our school serves a diverse community, with significant levels of socio-economic disadvantage, a high proportion of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), children who speak English as an additional language (EAL), and considerable pupil mobility.

We recognise that children arrive at school with different experiences, opportunities and levels of environmental awareness.

Our context does not lower our expectations. It increases our responsibility to ensure that every child has access to meaningful environmental education and opportunities to make a difference.

We want all pupils to develop an understanding of their local environment, the natural world and the impact of human activity.

We are particularly committed to providing practical, accessible experiences that allow children to apply their learning, develop confidence and take responsibility.

We also recognise that sustainability is about more than protecting the planet. It is about caring for shared spaces, using resources responsibly, respecting the needs of others and understanding our role within the wider community.

Every child, regardless of background, ability or starting point, should recognise that they have the potential to contribute to positive environmental change.

Our Approach to Sustainability

Our work reflects four important areas of environmental education and sustainability.

1. Climate Education and Green Skills

We want pupils to develop an age-appropriate understanding of climate change, environmental responsibility and the choices that can help protect our planet.

Through curriculum learning and practical experiences, children explore how everyday actions affect the environment and develop the skills needed to make informed decisions.

We encourage pupils to ask questions, investigate environmental issues, consider evidence and explore possible solutions.

2. Biodiversity and Nature

We believe that children should have opportunities to experience, appreciate and care for the natural world.

Through outdoor learning, gardening and environmental activities, pupils develop an understanding of plants, wildlife, habitats and the importance of biodiversity.

Our work includes encouraging children to care for plants and outdoor spaces and to consider how school grounds can provide suitable environments for insects, birds and other wildlife.

These experiences help children understand that protecting biodiversity begins with respecting and caring for the natural environments around us.

3. Climate Adaptation and Resilience

We want pupils to understand that environmental changes can affect people, communities and natural habitats in different ways.

Through appropriate curriculum opportunities, children explore the importance of looking after green spaces, protecting natural resources and making responsible decisions that support the long-term wellbeing of communities.

Our aim is to develop thoughtful, informed pupils who recognise that environmental responsibility involves both understanding challenges and considering practical responses.

4. Reducing Waste and Using Resources Responsibly

We encourage pupils and staff to consider how resources are used throughout the school day.

Our approach promotes reducing unnecessary waste, reusing materials, recycling appropriately and conserving energy and water.

We want environmentally responsible habits to become part of everyday school life, rather than activities that happen only during special events.

Sustainability should be visible in the choices we make, the resources we use and the care we show for our environment.

Our Eco Council – Pupil Leadership in Action

Our Eco Council, also known as our Eco and Sustainability Group, is an important part of our wider Pupil Leadership Strategy.

With representatives from each year group, the group provides opportunities for pupils to influence environmental priorities, share ideas, take responsibility and encourage positive changes across school.

Our Eco Council is led by  Miss Wallwork, Mr Patel and Mrs Ahmed, who support pupils in developing their ideas and putting environmental initiatives into practice.

We believe that children should not simply be told how to care for their environment. They should have meaningful opportunities to help decide what needs to change and contribute to making those changes happen.

Eco Council representatives act as environmental ambassadors, sharing messages with their classes, listening to suggestions and helping the wider school community develop responsible habits.

Their responsibilities include:

• Saving energy: Encouraging lights, interactive whiteboards and other equipment to be switched off when not needed.

• Conserving water: Promoting responsible water use and reducing unnecessary waste.

• Reducing, reusing and recycling: Helping pupils understand how to use resources thoughtfully and recycle correctly.

• Caring for our school grounds: Promoting pride in our outdoor environment and helping keep shared spaces clean and welcoming.

• Supporting biodiversity: Encouraging activities that protect plants, wildlife and natural habitats.

• Reducing paper waste: Exploring ways to use and reuse paper more responsibly.

• Listening to pupil voice: Gathering ideas and suggestions from classmates.

• Raising awareness: Sharing environmental messages through assemblies, posters, challenges and school activities.

• Reviewing improvements: Helping to consider whether environmental initiatives are making a positive difference.

We want children to understand the reasons behind these actions and develop the confidence to encourage others.

Pupil Voice – From Ideas to Meaningful Action

At Haslam Park, pupil leadership is not about simply holding a title or completing tasks chosen by adults.

Our Eco Council provides opportunities for children to identify environmental issues, listen to others, suggest solutions and contribute to decisions.

We encourage pupils to follow a purposeful cycle:

1. Explore: Identify an environmental issue or opportunity for improvement.

2. Listen: Gather views from classmates and the wider school community.

3. Plan: Consider possible solutions and agree practical actions.

4. Act: Take responsibility for helping to introduce improvements.

5. Review: Reflect on what has changed and what further action may be needed.

Through this approach, pupils develop communication, collaboration, problem-solving, independence and responsibility.

We want children to understand that their voices matter, their ideas have value and their actions can lead to genuine improvements.

Inclusion – Environmental Leadership for Every Child

Inclusion is central to our approach to pupil leadership.

We recognise that children have different strengths, interests, communication styles and support needs.

Some pupils may demonstrate leadership by confidently presenting ideas. Others may contribute through practical tasks, creativity, observation, teamwork or consistent responsibility.

We value these different forms of participation.

We are committed to ensuring that disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND are strongly represented and supported within our leadership opportunities.

We do not select children solely because of their circumstances or additional needs, but we are deliberate in ensuring that these pupils are encouraged, included and given meaningful opportunities to contribute.

Appropriate adaptations and adult support help pupils participate successfully and develop greater independence.

At Haslam Park, inclusion is not simply about allowing children to take part. It is about ensuring they can contribute, influence and experience success.

Environmental Action in Our School and Community

Community Litter-Picking – Taking Pride in Our Local Area

Our environmental commitment extends beyond the school gates.

Through links with Bolton Council and local volunteers, pupils have opportunities to take part in community litter-picking initiatives and contribute to improving the local environment.

These experiences help children understand the impact of litter on shared spaces, wildlife and community wellbeing.

They also develop a sense of pride, responsibility and belonging.

We want pupils to recognise that they can make a positive contribution to the community in which they live.

By taking practical action, children learn that responsible citizenship involves caring not only for themselves, but also for the people and places around them.

Reducing, Reusing and Recycling

We encourage our school community to consider how everyday materials can be used more responsibly.

Our Eco Council promotes recycling, reducing unnecessary waste and finding creative opportunities to reuse materials.

One example has been the collection of bottle tops for an art and design project, helping children explore how discarded materials can be given a new purpose.

This connects environmental awareness with creativity, design and problem-solving.

We want pupils to develop habits that extend beyond school and influence the choices they make in everyday life.

Biodiversity, Gardening and Outdoor Learning

Our outdoor environment provides valuable opportunities for pupils to develop their understanding of nature and biodiversity.

Through gardening, planting and caring for outdoor spaces, children can explore how living things depend upon suitable habitats and how human actions can protect or damage the natural world.

Our school's wider gardening work provides an important connection between environmental responsibility and practical learning.

These experiences also promote wellbeing, cooperation, perseverance and pride in caring for shared spaces.

Saving Energy and Water

We encourage pupils to take responsibility for reducing unnecessary energy and water use.

Eco Council representatives help promote simple but important habits, including switching off unused equipment, turning off taps and considering how resources can be conserved.

These actions help pupils understand that sustainability involves everyday decisions as well as larger environmental projects.

Environmental Events and Awareness

Throughout the year, our Eco and Sustainability Group supports environmental learning and awareness through school activities and national or international environmental events.

These include:

World Environment Day

An opportunity to explore environmental challenges, celebrate positive action and consider how individuals and communities can help protect the planet.

World Oceans Day

Helping pupils understand the importance of oceans, marine life and the impact of pollution, particularly plastic waste.

Recycling Week

Encouraging children to think carefully about reducing waste, reusing materials and recycling responsibly.

Eco Challenges

Providing practical opportunities for pupils and families to consider more sustainable everyday choices.

Assemblies and Environmental Awareness Activities

Giving pupils opportunities to share their knowledge, promote environmental responsibility and encourage positive action across the school.

These events are most valuable when they connect to pupils' existing learning and lead to meaningful discussion, reflection or action.

Our focus is not simply on celebrating environmental awareness days, but on helping children develop lasting knowledge, attitudes and habits.

Connecting Sustainability to Our Curriculum

Environmental education is strengthened through our ambitious, broad and inclusive curriculum.

In science, pupils develop knowledge of plants, living things, habitats, materials and the natural world.

In geography, they explore places, environments, human activity and the relationships between people and the planet.

In design and technology, children consider materials, resources, design choices and opportunities to reuse or repurpose everyday objects.

In art, pupils can explore environmental themes and express ideas creatively.

Through PSHE, SMSC and pupil leadership, children develop responsibility, empathy, cooperation and an understanding of their role as citizens.

Our Eco Council provides opportunities for pupils to apply this knowledge in meaningful, practical situations.

We want children to make connections between what they learn in the classroom and the decisions they make in the world around them.

Our Eco-Schools Achievement – Building on Our Success

We are proud that Haslam Park Primary School achieved the Eco-Schools Award in 2024, recognising the environmental work undertaken by our pupils and staff.

This achievement reflected our commitment to encouraging sustainable habits and involving children in environmental improvement.

Our focus is now on embedding environmental responsibility within everyday school life, strengthening pupil leadership and developing meaningful projects that respond to the needs of our school and local community.

For us, environmental responsibility is not defined by an award. It is demonstrated through the knowledge children develop, the choices they make and the positive actions they take.

We are proud of what we have achieved and remain committed to building upon this work.

Our Eco Council Throughout the Year

Our Eco Council's work is organised around identifying priorities, taking action and reviewing improvements.

Autumn Term – Establishing Our Priorities

• Launch our environmental priorities across the school.

• Select Eco Council representatives from each year group.

• Introduce leadership roles and responsibilities.

• Gather pupil views about environmental issues.

• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, conserve resources and improve our surroundings.

• Agree priorities for the year.

Spring Term – Taking Action

• Develop and promote agreed environmental initiatives.

• Encourage recycling and responsible use of resources.

• Support environmental awareness activities.

• Gather feedback from pupils and staff.

• Work alongside other pupil leadership groups where appropriate.

• Review progress and consider further improvements.

Summer Term – Reviewing and Celebrating Our Impact

• Continue practical environmental projects.

• Support opportunities for outdoor learning and community action.

• Share achievements with the wider school community.

• Gather pupil feedback about what has improved.

• Evaluate the impact of agreed initiatives.

• Identify priorities to build upon in the following academic year.

Our approach is designed to be responsive. Activities may change according to pupil ideas, school priorities and opportunities within the wider community.

How We Evaluate the Impact of Our Environmental Work

We recognise that effective environmental leadership requires more than organising activities or holding meetings.

We want to know whether children are developing environmental knowledge, taking responsibility and contributing to meaningful improvements.

We therefore consider:

• Environmental understanding: Can pupils explain why sustainability, biodiversity and responsible resource use matter?

• Pupil leadership: Can Eco Council representatives explain their responsibilities and how they contribute?

• Pupil voice: Are children able to suggest improvements and influence environmental decisions?

• Inclusive participation: Are pupils from different backgrounds and with different needs represented and supported?

• Responsible habits: Are pupils increasingly aware of waste, recycling, energy use and care for shared spaces?

• Practical impact: What improvements have resulted from environmental initiatives?

• Community contribution: How are pupils helping to care for the school and wider local area?

• Personal development: Are children developing confidence, independence, teamwork and responsibility?

Where appropriate, we will use pupil voice, staff observations, project records and simple environmental reviews to identify successes and priorities for improvement.

Our measure of success is not the number of environmental activities completed, but the difference they make to pupils' understanding, behaviour, leadership and surroundings.

Our Ambition – A Sustainable Future Starts with Us

At Haslam Park, we want our children to leave primary school with an appreciation of the natural world, an understanding of environmental responsibility and the confidence to make informed choices.

We want them to recognise that sustainability is a shared responsibility and that positive change can begin with small, practical actions.

Our Eco Council provides opportunities for pupils to lead by example, work collaboratively, develop their ideas and make a positive contribution to the wider community.

We do not simply want children to learn about environmental responsibility. We want them to experience what it means to take responsibility and recognise the difference they can make.

Through an inclusive curriculum, meaningful pupil leadership and strong community partnerships, we are helping our children develop the knowledge, values and skills needed to care for their environment now and in the future.