Climate and Sustainability Commitment
For the past few years, climate and sustainability have formed an integral part of our School Improvement Plan. Our commitment to caring for the environment is firmly rooted in our core value of Respect, and this underpins the many actions we take across school to promote environmental responsibility and sustainable living.
Governors are closely involved in the development, monitoring and evaluation of our Climate and Sustainability Plan, with progress reviewed and shared regularly throughout the year. We have worked closely with Let's Go Zero to ensure that all key areas of the sustainability agenda are reflected within our provision and future planning, including:
Adaptation and Resilience – How the education setting prepares for and responds to climate change impacts, such as extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and flooding risks.
Biodiversity and Nature – Efforts to protect and enhance wildlife, green spaces, and nature within the school grounds and surrounding areas.
Climate Education and Green Skills – How learners are taught about climate change and sustainability, supporting them to develop skills for future green careers.
Decarbonisation and Net Zero – Actions to measure greenhouse gas emissions (establishing a carbon baseline) and reduce energy use, waste, and transport impacts to work toward net zero.
Our Eco Leads are members of our Junior Leadership Team (JLT) and play an active role in driving environmental initiatives across the school. They have represented the school by presenting to governors and colleagues across Sandwell on behalf of the local authority. Pupils participate in a wide range of sustainability projects, including Auntie Duck, Switch Off Fortnight, Plastic Count,, carbon counting, waste reduction initiatives and other environmentally focused activities.
We are proud of the many opportunities we provide to promote sustainability. These include:
- Sustainable uniform and fast-fashion pre-loved uniform swap shops.
- Visits from climate ambassadors and other environmental speakers.
- School gardening and food-growing projects.
- Environmental awareness campaigns led by pupils eg weighing waste.
Our commitment has been recognised through a number of awards and accreditations, including:
- Modeshift STARs Good Travel Plan
- Rail Safe Gold
- Health for Life
- Asthma Friendly school (air pollution)
We continually seek new ways to improve our environmental impact and support pupils in becoming responsible global citizens.
All areas identified within DfE climate and sustainability expectations are addressed within school practice. Examples include food waste bins, choosing recycled products for purchases, using local venues for educational visits wherever possible, and choosing active travel or walking instead of coach transport when appropriate. These decisions not only reduce our environmental impact but also support our commitment to poverty-proofing and ensuring access to enriching experiences for all children.
Our sustainability work is closely linked to our health and wellbeing agenda. As Sandwell has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in England, many of our decisions are intentionally designed to promote healthier lifestyles. Through our curriculum enrichment activities from eg Health 4 Life, Sow and Grow etc, children learn to grow and cook their own food, developing an understanding of healthy eating and sustainable food production. Through Newton Spoke, our family hub, we support parents in making healthy food choices and provide opportunities for families to spend quality time together eg through the Choices programme of Public Health.
Ultimately, our approach brings together climate awareness, health, respect for the environment and community teamwork. These values are at the heart of Ferndale and help us prepare our children to become thoughtful, responsible and environmentally conscious citizens.