What is a Climate Action Plan?

In April 2022, the Department for 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.

How will we deliver this climate action plan and monitor progress?

At Whitefield Infant School, our climate action plan will focus on four key areas:

Decarbonisation

Adaptation and resilience,

Biodiversity,

Climate education/green careers

Each of these areas will have clear objectives, with specific actions outlined for the current academic year. Our entire school community – students, staff, parents, 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 green 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 overseen by the Headteacher, School Business Manager and Governing Body. To ensure the plan is implemented effectively, we will provide staff with the necessary time 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 reviewed and updated to reflect progress and evolving needs. On an annual basis, 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.

Decarbonisation at Whitefield Infant School

Our efforts to decarbonise will focus on the following key areas:

• Energy Use
• Food
• School Grounds
• Procurement
• Travel
• Waste
• Water

We will calculate our carbon emissions and implement strategies to reduce them. This includes becoming more energy-efficient, transitioning to greener energy sources, and encouraging both staff and children to actively monitor and reduce energy consumption.

Transport is a significant contributor to air pollution and carbon emissions, particularly in areas around schools, which can also affect children’s health. Therefore, we will collaborate with local organisations to encourage low-carbon commuting options for both staff and students, promoting walking, cycling, and the use of public transport.

Recycling will be a priority at Whitefield Infant School, with an increase in the recycling of materials such as food waste, alongside efforts to reduce overall waste. We will also explore opportunities to enhance water efficiency, including harvesting rainwater.

To support our decarbonisation goals, we will explore various funding opportunities, such as grants, and potential capital funding from Lancashire County Council. By improving energy efficiency, we expect to not only reduce our carbon footprint but also lower long-term energy costs and other associated expenses, such as waste disposal.

Adaptation and Resilience at Whitefield Infant School

At Whitefield Infant School, we are committed to maintaining a high-quality learning environment for all our children. To achieve this, we will adapt our school site to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Our actions will enhance the biodiversity of our school site. We will introduce nature-based solutions, such as planting species that are resilient to the changing climate, which will support local wildlife and help create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly space for our children.

Climate Education at Whitefield Infant School

At Whitefield Infant School, we believe that it is essential for children to understand the climate crisis to actively contribute to its mitigation and be prepared for the challenges of the future, including exploring potential green careers.

We are committed to providing a knowledge-rich curriculum that incorporates climate change education, ensuring that our teachers are fully supported in delivering this important content. We also recognise that the environment in which children are taught plays a vital role in fostering sustainability. Our school environment will reflect our commitment to sustainability, providing a nurturing, engaging, and enjoyable space for learning.

Actions to Support Climate Education:

Our approach will focus on the following key areas:

• Outdoor Learning and Forest School provision
• Curriculum development
• Leadership at all levels
• Training and professional development

Our curriculum will include age-appropriate references to climate change, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These will be further integrated across subjects, ensuring our students develop a sense of social responsibility and an understanding of the interconnection between people and the planet, including topics like ‘Looking after Nelson’.