Welcome to Warwickshire County Council

LATEST NEWS NOVEMBER 2008 ►Eco-Schools Stationery is now available Have you ever considered Eco-Schools badges for your action team, or perhaps pencil cases made from recycled tyres? Eco-Schools now have a range of stationery available for purchase including pencil cases, badges, rulers and bags, all of which are branded with the Eco-Schools logo and made from recycled or sustainably produced materials. For a more detailed look at the stationery available including the price list and how to order please go to: Eco-Schools Stationery OCTOBER 2008 ►Sustainable Schools - Resources for schools For curriculum and other useful materials go to: Resources ►Government recommendation on Sustainable Schools Local authorites are now being asked to rate their performance on how they are supporting schools to become sustainable. This is the latest recommendation by the Government who say that Local Authorities have a critical role in making sustainable communities happen. To do this they have produced a Sustainable Schools self-evaluation tool for local authorities. This sets out national expectations by 2010 - 2020, and is graded on a points scale. For more information contact Barbara Golding email: barbaragolding@warwickshire.gov.uk ►Newburgh Primary See our latest Eco-Schools Case Study from Newburgh Primary School in Warwick. A year ago the schoool decided to head straight for the top Green Flag award rather than go for bronze or silver. With all credit to them they managed to achieve Green Flag status in October 2007. Since then work has not stopped as everyone is now inspired to look after and care for their environment. By achieving Green Flag status the school has also achieved one of the main elements in becoming a 'Sustainable School'. SEPTEMBER 2008 ►Bilton School students transform their school grounds The school is really proud of their new peace garden and within two to three months they have totally transformed the weed filled garden to a colourful eco friendly garden! Before this the garden was full of weeds and overgrown plants and there was no colour at all. There were large rocks and ugly soil! However, the school council decided this HAD to change. No one wanted to go there, and with people complaining there was hardly anywhere to go at lunch they thought this was the perfect opportunity to get it sorted out! See Bilton's Case Study on the 'Schools and Case Studies' page ►Eco-Schools Case Studies wanted We would like to compile as many Eco-Schools Case Studies from as many schools as possible to put on these pages and new pages which are being developed. If you have any pictures, all the better, but remember to get permission to allow students to be shown on the web. Please forward your Case Studies with any permissions to: ecoschools@warwickshire.gov.uk I am attaching a template Case Study for you to use. If you have any questions or queries tel: Barbara Golding 01926 418065 email: barbaragolding@warwickshire.gov.uk ►All secondary schools You are invited to take part in 'Universally Challenged', a sustainability quiz which will be taking place at Kenilworth school on the 4th November. Teams of six year eights are required. Winning teams go on to face a Coventry and Worcester school to compete for the Universally Challenged trophy. For further information or to register to take part please email emmaclarke@warwickshire.gov.uk or call 01926 418036 ►Eco-Schools 'Best Practice' meetings Future meetings will be held on the following dates:- 1. Central - No meeting arranged at present 2. South - 23rd September, Haselor Primary School 3. Nuneaton and Bedworth - 25th September, NewdigatePrimary School 4. North Warwickshire - No meeting arranged at present 5. Secondary Schools - 6th November, Myton School For more information contact Emma Clarke on 01926 418036 ►Reducing Energy Use in Schools From 1 October 2008, schools will be required to display in a public place certificates containing information about energy use.  These will be required for all buildings with a floor area of more than 1,000 square metres.  DECs are being introduced to raise public awareness of energy use by displaying the actual energy use and energy efficiency of the buildings they visit.  This is based on records of gas, electricity and other meter readings or fuel delivery records in the case of oil or solid fuel.  Display Energy Certificates (DECs) include an A-G energy rating for the building, similar to those that are required for fridges and many other new white goods.  The rating provides an indication of how energy use compares with benchmarks for similar buildings. DECs can only be produced by accredited energy assessors, but schools can assist in their production by collating meter readings, energy bills and other information on energy use, so that annual consumption can be established or verified. Information on Display Energy Certificates is available on the "Energy Efficiency and Low Carbon Schools" section of the school buildings website at www.teachernet.gov.uk/schoolbuildings. The production of DECs will help schools to collate the information required to participate in the Carbon Reduction Commitment: a mandatory emissions trading scheme for large businesses and public sector organisations.  Schools will not be be included directly in trading carbon emissions, but will be part of the local authority count.  The majority of unitary, county, metropolitan and London borough councils will be included in trading carbon emissions and will be legally required to include in their trading totals the carbon emissions from all state funded schools in their areas (including Academies).  The scheme will start in April 2010.  Bringing schools into the carbon footprint of local authorities will encourage authorities to support schools to achieve greater energy efficiency, helping schools to save money through reduced energy bills.  All an individual school will have to do is to supply information on their annual energy use to the local authority. For full details of the Carbon Reduction Commitment see http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/uk/business/crc/pdf/crc-policy-080716rev.pdf For information on Display Energy Certificates at Warwickshire County Council contact: Bill Johnson 01926 476623, Nigel Hardy 01926 414114

Schools prepare for a Sustainable Future A new drive is underway to ensure that all of Warwickshire schools are doing their bit in preparing for a sustainable future Warwickshire County Council’s Eco Schools programme, where school pupils work on practical environmental projects, is taking a huge leap forward following the go ahead for the Sustainable Schools Strategy. This strategy has been okayed by the council’s Cabinet, and sets out clear targets to make all Warwickshire schools sustainable by 2020. Cllr Martin Heatley, the county council’s Portfolio for the Environment, said: “73% or 182 of Warwickshire’s schools are already Eco Schools, and this takes them half way towards becoming a sustainable school through projects such as recycling and saving energy. “The Sustainable Schools Strategy will fill the missing gaps for schools to become sustainable, and involves training headteachers and governors in sustainability. It also involves making sure teachers know how to integrate sustainability into the curriculum, as well as providing the knowledge and resources to help them do this.” A recent survey of 1,000 Warwickshire households through the Citizens Panel found that 97% of respondents believed “It is important for children to learn about environmental issues”. Warwickshire’s framework will be implemented alongside the Government’s framework, and in line with initiatives already taking place in Warwickshire schools such as Eco Schools, School Travel Plans and Healthy Schools. Government toolkits will also be used during implementation, and specific tools for Warwickshire schools will also be developed.

Warwickshire’s framework will be implemented alongside the Government’s framework, and in line with initiatives already taking place in Warwickshire schools such as Eco Schools, School Travel Plans and Healthy Schools. Government toolkits will also be used during implementation, and specific tools for Warwickshire schools will also be developed. A recent survey of 1,000 Warwickshire households through the Citizens Panel found that 97% of respondents believed “It is important for children to learn about environmental issues”. Warwickshire’s framework will be implemented alongside the Government’s framework, and in line with initiatives already taking place in Warwickshire schools such as Eco Schools, School Travel Plans and Healthy Schools. Government toolkits will also be used during implementation, and specific tools for Warwickshire schools will also be developed. Warwickshire's Sustainable Schools Strategy

Education for Sustainable Development “Education for sustainable development enables people to develop the knowledge, values and skills to participate in decisions about the way we do things individually and collectively, both locally and globally, that will improve the quality of life now, without damaging the planet for the future.” The English National Curriculum, QCA 1999 The Government wants all schools to be Sustainable Schools and has developed a Sustainable Schools Framework and a set of Toolkits to do this. The Framework will be delivered through 8 Doorways

DFES Sustainable Schools Webpages

Green Flag Awards for Warwickshire Congratulations to the first schools in Warwickshire to achieve their Eco Schools Green Flag Award. This is the top award that schools can achieve under the programme. Here are the schools:- Bilton Junior School, Rugby Birchwood Primary School, Tamworth Bishops Itchington Primary, Southam Emscote Infants School, Warwick Harbury Primary, Stratford on Avon High Meadow Infant School, Coleshill Ilmington Primary School, Shipston on Stour Myton College, Warwick Newdigate Primary and Nursery, Bedworth Rugby High School, Rugby Sydenham Primary, Leamington Spa

Top Environment Award for County Council On Friday 3rd November, Warwickshire County Council scooped a top award for Environmental Education and Training at a prizegiving ceremony in the Tower of London. The council beat bronze, silver and gold finalists to gain the title of ‘Green Champion’ for Environmental Education and Training for its Eco Schools Programme. Competition came from businesses and organisations throughout the UK, and WCC was heralded as the leader in Education and Training. The Green Apple Environmental Awards are an annual international campaign to recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice around the world. Warwickshire’s programme won the award for its work in many areas, including developing partnerships between state and independent schools, promoting european partnership working and supporting the implementation of county council strategies, such as the Warwickshire Climate Change Strategy. The aim of Eco Schools in Warwickshire is to make the county’s schools exemplars of sustainable development, and to use the programme as a vehicle to implement Education for Sustainable Development into its schools. The county now boasts 47% of its schools involved with the scheme and this number is continually increasing. Also, 39% have obtained prestigious awards, and all this has been achieved in less than 24 months.

Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: This award demonstrates that Warwickshire County Council is committed to providing the very best environmental education for its schools. It also confirms the close partnership working and understanding we have with schools about their environment. This is displayed throughout the whole of Warwickshire by schools carrying out environmental actions such as energy and waste reduction. We make no excuses for striving to provide schools with the best possible tools and education for a sustainable future. Barbara Golding, Eco Schools Officer for Warwickshire County Council who collected the award said: I was extremely honoured to receive the award, and I would like to say thank you to all Warwickshire schools who have worked so hard to improve their environment. Without them the award would not have been possible, and I send my heartfelt thanks to them all.

Eco Schools Programme wins 'Green Apple' National Environmental Award Warwickshire's Eco Schools Programme has been chosen as a winner in the Green Apple Awards. The aim of the competition is to reward for Environmental Best Practice. As a National Green Apple Award winner, Warwickshire's Eco Schools programme is one of the country's leaders in setting environmental standards for others to follow. The paper submitted for the competition also has the opportunity to be published in the International work of reference - the 'Green Book', so that others can follow Warwickshire's environmental lead and learn from our experience. 'The 500 page International Work of Reference is an invaluable guide to environmental best practice, and is distributed to environment professionals around the globe, i.e. the media, reference libraries, MPs, Ministers, Embassies, companies, councils etc' (Green Apple Awards 2006 - www.greenorganisation.org.uk).

The Green Apple award will be presented to Warwickshire County Council in a glittering prizegiving ceremony at The 'Tower of London' on Friday 3 November, 2006 The Green Apple Awards

Framework for Schools to be models of Sustainable Development On Monday, 15 May, Education Secretary Alan Johnson launched a framework for action for schools to become models of sustainable development in their communities. The framework contains ideas for encouraging pupils to walk or ride to school, interesting ways of exploring sustainable development issues in the curriculum and incorporating environmental projects in their buildings and grounds. Alan Johnson said: “Schools are at the heart of their communities and many are already leading the way by encouraging sustainability in different areas of school life by looking at things like efficient use of energy and water. I would like to see this replicated in all schools. “Young people are keenly aware of, and highly motivated by, environmental issues. In many ways they are ahead of adults in their attitudes to recycling and conservation. Channelling this enthusiasm helps raise achievement and improve behaviour and could save money as well as addressing big issues such as climate change – it really is a win-win solution. This is believed to be the first government consultation to be carbon neutral. The following key areas are covered: 1: Food and drink - considering how food for school meals can be ethically sourced 2: Energy and water – reducing the demand for energy and water thorough energy and water conservation 3: Travel and traffic- encouraging and supporting more eco-friendly journeys to schools for example walking and cycling. 4: Purchasing and waste - reducing costs and support markets for ethical goods and services at the same time. 5: Buildings and grounds – good design can translate into improved staff morale, pupil behaviour and achievement as well as nature conservation. 6: Inclusion and participation – providing an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere that values everyone’s participation and contribution. 7: Local well-being – acting as a hub of learning and change in the local community. 8: Global dimension – helping pupils to appreciate the impact of their personal values, choices and behaviours on the wider world. Mr Johnson and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Parmjit Dhanda marked the launch of the consultation with a visit to Argyle Primary School in Camden, London. The school has developed several sustainable development projects, including a watering system powered by renewable energy, small world activities about minibeasts and a Parents Action and Development Group who work on issues such as healthy living, safe play and road safety. Staff as well as pupils are encouraged to travel to schools by eco-friendly way such as cycling and walking. Deputy Headteacher Helen Adams said: “Today’s publication is a really clear document which I think will really help people engage with and understand sustainability in schools.” The consultation will run until 1 September. For more details see: www.dfes.gov.uk/sustainableschoolsconsultation The consultation will be followed by a launch of variety of tools including a sustainable development schools website, a clear framework of action and means of self-evaluation. The sustainable schools consultation is climate neutral. Working with Climate Care, Dfes have offset the CO2 emissions arising from all printing and distribution, consultation events, and response routes. The money used to offset these will go towards sustainable energy projects, like the production of energy efficient cooking stoves for schools in India. For more about the DfES sustainable schools consultation, please go to: www.dfes.gov.uk/sustainableschoolsconsultation/ More details when the framework and consultation launches by emailing: david.serant@dfes.gsi.gov.uk Recognition Event for the 10 Best Performing Eco Schools Ten Warwickshire schools have been commended for their work under the Eco Schools programme. A special event was held in recognition of their achievements at Warwickshire County Council Offices, Shire Hall, Warwick on Tuesday 23rd May. The ten lucky schools to be presented with trophies and Certificates were: Bilton Junior, Bishops Itchington Primary, Brookhurst Primary, Cannon Maggs Junior, Emscote Infants, Harbury Primary, High Meadow Infants, Myton School, Queen Elizabeth School and Rugby School. The schools were chosen because of their continued hard work and commitment to the programme, as well as the awards they have already achieved under the scheme. Councillor Martin Heatley, Portfolio Holder for Environment, who presenting the awards said “ This is a very exciting day for the schools involved, and we are very proud of all the students and teachers taking part, and would like to congratulate them. Without their dedication and continued hard work, the Eco Schools programme would not be as successful as it is. But equally, we must not forget all the other Eco Schools out there who are also working very hard. It is a pity we could not give awards to every school as we know they are all committed to environmental protection. So I would also like to say a big thank you to every one of them in recognition of their work. Since Warwickshire County Council began implementation of the Eco Schools programme around eighteen months ago, the response and uptake of the programme has been overwhelming. This shows schools really do want to do something to help protect their environment, and in many cases were already working towards this”. National grant funding for Eco Schools Programme - Tuesday 28th March 2006 Warwickshire is the only county in England to have been awarded £10,000 to help schools achieve the prestigious Green Flag, the top award available. The funding has been awarded by ENCAMS, who run the national Eco Schools programme, and has been given because of the impressive achievements in the last year, and also because of the commitment by Warwickshire County Council to the programme. The funders were also greatly impressed by the amount of top level backing for the programme by the county council which was demonstrated at the Eco Schools Event last October at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon. Councillor Martin Heatley, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “During the past year the Eco Schools programme has gone from strength to strength, and there are now 34% of all Warwickshire schools taking part, and over 30% of these have now received either bronze or silver awards which is a tremendous achievement for everyone involved, and a credit to all their hard work. “This means that schools are now significantly reducing their environmental impacts and will continue to do so in the future. They will also be reducing their energy and water bills, and saving on the amount they spend on waste collections. “I would like to encourage any schools, which are not already part of the Eco Schools programme to sign up. This will not only enable them to help protect the environment but also to make financial savings.” Councillor John Burton Portfolio Holder for Schools said: “We are delighted Eco Schools is being used to implement ‘Education for Sustainable Development’ into the curriculum in Warwickshire schools. This means environmental education and actions will be embedded into the ethos of the school. Furthermore, students and teachers will be given the knowledge and the tools to make informed decisions about their schools environment, which will help provide sustainable schools for the future”. Warwickshire Eco Schools will shortly be receiving details of how to apply for the grant funding. Best Practice Meeting - Thursday 16th March 2006 Recently, an Eco Schools Best Practice meeting was held at Emscote Infant School in Warwick to enable schools to share ideas and discuss information. This is the second meeting in Warwickshire with the first being held in Rugby District. It is intended that future meetings will take place in the rest of the county so that North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, and Stratford Area are also covered. Future meeting dates will be sent to schools nearer the time. Environment and Innovation - Tuesday 14th March 2006 This is a project to encourage Eco-Schools to come up with innovative and creative solutions to environmental problems. Winning entries will receive a grant to help them put their ideas into action and work with the local community to tackle these issues. Go to: www.eco-schools.org/innovation Read about what other Warwickshire Eco Schools are doing - Wednesday 8th March 2006 Would you like to know what other schools have been doing. Go to the Warwickshire Schools page and click on the schools which are highlighted. If you have any news or information you would like to share with other schools please go to the Contact Us page and enter your information. Alternatively you can send it directly to: Barbara Golding, Sustainability Group, PO Box 43, Warwick CV34 4SX Fax: 01926 491665 Grants for SCHOOLGROUNDS - Monday 6th March 2006 The British Ecological Society are offering grants for School Grounds. Go to: www.britishecologicalsociety.org and click on: Ecological Education Grants to find out more. You may also be interested in a booklet by Janey Hewitt called 'Raising Funds for School Grounds' go to: www.monument-books.co.uk for more details. How many Eco Schools? - Wednesday March 1st 2006 A large number of Warwickshire schools are now Eco Schools. Since the programme was adopted in Warwickshire just over a year ago thirty four percent of schools have now signed up to the programme, and whole schools are working together to reduce their environmental impacts. Schools taking part are represented in all districts of the county, and to date thirty percent have received the prestigious Eco Schools Award. The private sector have also joined forces in order to help protect the environment. Warwick School, Kings High School in Warwick, and Rugby School have realised the importance of protecting the environment, and are working to achieve this through the Eco Schools programme. Importance of Partner Organisations - February 2006 Organisations play an important role in helping schools achieve Eco Schools awards, and also helping them to reduce costs in areas such as energy and water use. These organisations are working in partnership with Warwickshire County Council on the Eco Schools programme: Severn Trent Water Energy Saving Trust South Warwickshire General Hospitals NHS Trust Heritage Motor Centre CREATES (Creative Recycling Enviro-Arts Training and Education Service) Artists in Warwickshire EBP (Education Business Partnership) Garden Organic (HDRA) Warwickshire Wildlife Trust The Globe Programme University of Warwick Rugby Borough Council Stratford on Avon District Council Warwick District Council Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council North Warwickshire Borough Council
Eco Schools/COMENIUS Event - October 5th 2005 Recently, an Eco Schools Conference took place at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, and was attended by 160 Warwickshire teachers and students, and both primary and secondary schools took part. Speakers included John Deegan and Eric Wood, as well as Carl Thurston, the UK Eco Schools Coordinator. Organisations carried out environmental activities with students during part of the day, while European teachers networked with Warwickshire teachers to build up school partnerships. The aim of the event was to promote Eco Schools in Warwickshire and in a European context, and to inform and enthuse students and teachers about the programme for when they returned to school. For more details about Eco Schools please contact: Barbara Golding, Eco Schools officer tel: 01926 418065 email: barbaragolding@warwickshire.gov.uk For more details on the COMENIUS programme please contact: Judith Young, European Development Officer tel: 01926 476992 email:judithyoung@warwickshire.gov.uk