Small school, big eco dreams: How a Stafford primary school became an Eco School

As a teacher at All Saints Primary School, a small school nestled in the heart of the community in Bednall, I’ve always believed in the power of collective action. With just 36 pupils, we might be small in number, but our hearts are big, especially when it comes to caring for our planet. That's why, when we decided to embark on our Eco-Schools journey, I knew we could achieve something truly special.

The Eco-Committee celebrating our award.

Our journey began with a spark of curiosity and a shared passion for nature. Every Wednesday, our “Wildlife Wednesday” lessons transformed our school grounds into a living laboratory. We’d explore the hidden world of minibeasts, learn about the different bird species visiting our feeders, and even build bug hotels to provide shelter for our six-legged friends. The children became budding David Attenboroughs, eager to learn and share their discoveries.

Empowering the children to take ownership of our eco-efforts was crucial. Together, we created our own action plan, identifying key areas where we could make a real difference. Recycling became a way of life, not just a chore, and the children became recycling champions, ensuring every scrap of paper and plastic bottle found its way to the correct bin. To raise awareness about plastic pollution, we unleashed our creative spirits, transforming discarded plastic into marine animal pictures. This artwork not only showcased the creatures we were protecting but also highlighted the devastating impact of plastic waste on their habitats.

We wanted to understand where our food comes from, so we ventured out into the countryside, visiting two local farms. We learned about the intricacies of dairy farming and the hard work that goes into producing our milk. At the agricultural farm, we got our hands dirty, picking our own vegetables and learning about sustainable farming practices. The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly using our freshly picked produce to make a delicious vegetable soup back at school – a true farm-to-table experience!

Artwork created by our children showing plastic usage to promote recycling.

Recognising the importance of physical well-being, we prioritised health and fitness. Our whole-school outdoor day was a resounding success, with everyone engaging in fun and challenging outdoor maths activities. We also continued our annual tradition of arranging swimming lessons for all year groups, ensuring every child has the opportunity to develop essential water safety skills and stay active.

Our commitment to sustainability extended beyond the school gates. The children initiated a brilliant project, creating the role of 'electricity monitors' to track and reduce our energy consumption. We even welcomed Tony from the Green Party, Stafford branch, who shared his inspiring “Bee Friendly” initiative. We got our hands messy making wildflower seed balls, ready to be scattered and provide vital food sources for our precious pollinators. We also supported our farming families, some of whom attend our school, by participating in "Wear Wellies for Farmers" day.

Our Eco-Committee celebrating our accreditation.

As our Eco-Schools journey progressed, we organised a "No Electric Day", challenging ourselves to find alternative ways to learn and play. We also implemented regular litter picking sessions, ensuring our school grounds remained clean and inviting for both humans and wildlife.

Earning our Green Flag was a true team effort, a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our pupils, staff, and parents. It wasn’t just about ticking boxes; it was about instilling a deep-rooted respect for our planet and empowering the next generation to become responsible global citizens. At All Saints we've proven that even the smallest school can make a big impact, and we're excited to continue our eco-journey, exploring new ways to protect our planet for years to come.