Climate Action Plan

We want our children to grow up enjoying and caring for the world around them. Our Climate Action Plan explains the simple, practical steps our school will take to look after the environment, prepare for changes in the climate and help every child see that their choices can make a difference.

Why do primary schools have a Climate Action Plan?

The government is asking schools in England to take clear action on sustainability and climate change. Our plan helps us bring this to life in ways that are practical and meaningful for our children, families and local community.

• Teach children how to care for the environment.
• Use less energy and water, create less waste and help reduce costs.
• Prepare our school for very hot weather, flooding and other extreme weather.
• Create greener spaces where plants and wildlife can thrive.
• Listen to pupils’ ideas and give them opportunities to take action.
• Encourage simple, sustainable choices at school and at home.

What does our plan cover?

• Using resources wisely: saving energy and water, reducing waste and reusing or recycling wherever we can.
• Preparing for changing weather: making sure our buildings, grounds and routines are ready for hotter days, heavy rain and other severe weather.
• Caring for nature: improving our grounds so that plants, trees and wildlife can flourish.
• Learning about our planet: helping children understand climate change and sustainability through lessons and hands-on activities.

How will we put the plan into action?

Pupils, staff, governors and families will all have a part to play. We will choose clear priorities, agree who will lead each action and check the difference it is making. We will share and celebrate our progress and update the plan as our school’s needs change.

How can our community help?

Families can support our work through small everyday actions: switching off lights, saving water, reducing waste, reusing and recycling, walking or cycling when possible, and caring for local green spaces. We would also love families and pupils to share their ideas with us. Together, lots of small changes can make a big difference.

Our Climate Action Plan 2026–2029

A summary for parents and carers

At Carr Hill Primary & Nursery School, we want to provide a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for our children now and in the future. Our Climate Action Plan sets out the practical steps we will take between 2026 and 2029 to reduce energy and water use, prepare for extreme weather, care for wildlife and help pupils understand how they can make a positive difference.

Our main priorities

• Use less energy and water: improve switch-off routines, restore the solar panels, complete the change to LED lighting and fit water-saving devices where suitable.
• Prepare for changing weather: tackle priority roof and drainage problems, improve shade and plan carefully for heat, heavy rain, flooding, drought and storms.
• Protect and improve nature: care for the wild wood, pond courtyard, hedges, trees and natural grass areas, while adding suitable native plants and habitats.
• Teach and involve pupils: make climate and sustainability learning clear in every year group, appoint pupil Eco Leaders and support pupil-led projects.

What we aim to achieve by August 2029

• Use at least 15% less purchased energy than in 2025/26, after allowing for weather differences.
• Reduce electricity used outside school hours by at least 25%.
• Return the school’s solar panels to full working order.
• Fit water-saving devices to all suitable taps and toilets.
• Complete the most urgent work needed to protect the school from climate risks.
• Improve wildlife habitats and increase pupil involvement.
• Make sure every year group has planned learning about climate and sustainability.

How we will check progress

School leaders will review progress each term, and governors will receive a report each year. We will check energy, water, waste, travel, wildlife improvements, pupil learning, completed work, costs and savings. The plan will be updated annually so that actions remain realistic and make a measurable difference.

Working together

Families can support this work through simple actions such as walking, cycling or scooting when practical, reducing waste, reusing items and saving energy and water at home. We will share important updates and celebrate the difference made by pupils, staff and families.

Further information

Read the Department for Education’s guidance on sustainability leadership and climate action plans and its sustainability and climate change strategy.