Yattendon Primary School wellbeing warriors awarded coveted Eco-Schools Green Flag

Pupils at a local primary school have secured a prestigious environmental award.

The hard work of Yattendon Primary School pupils to reduce their school’s waste and energy consumption has paid off.

The pupils – ranging from Years 1 to 6 – created an eco brick planter, bug hotel and wildlife-rich pond area and shared ‘green tips’ with their peers to achieve the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award with merit.

Senior teacher Mel Mason oversaw the initiative with the support of the school business manager and parents, but says the children were the driving force behind the project.

She said: “Some of the pupils are as young as five, but they have all shared a real passion for their mission.

“They set out to make our school environment more diverse in wildlife, to reduce the school’s electricity bill and educate their school family on saving energy at home, and to throw away less waste. And they did it!

“They enjoyed the practical activities but were also mature in creating and monitoring their action plan, seeking information from adults as needed.”

One of the highlights of the campaign was the herb planter created using eco bricks – constructed using single use plastic bottles and stretchy plastic.

Year 6 pupil Ollie said: “I have enjoyed helping in the sessions and workshops.”

Amelie, in Year 5, added: “We’ve been trying to make new things to help the environment, which has been great.

“I check the lights are turned off around school every day.”

The children led assemblies, supplied content for the school newsletter and displayed posters to spread the green word.

They also contributed their ideas to senior school leaders, who have applied for a grant for energy-saving lighting and new front doors.

In its final report, the eco-schools team highlighted the school’s “fantastic ambassadors” who are “bringing about long-lasting, positive change for your school”.

It read on: “We particularly love how you are using your outdoor resources, such as your woodland classroom, to engage your EYFS [early years foundation pupils] with nature and provide a clear context and application for their learning.”

Eco-Schools England manager Adam Flint said pupils and staff deserve “immense credit for their hard work, determination, and creativity”, adding “their passion for protecting our planet is an inspiration to us all”.

The school thanked waste management company Hubba for its inspiring workshop and for sponsoring its application.

The Eco-Schools programme, established in 1994, is now delivered in more than 70 countries across the world.