Colwick St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy Climate Action Plan: 2026–27
What is a Climate Action Plan?
In line with the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy (April 2022), all education settings are expected to appoint a sustainability lead and develop a Climate Action Plan. This plan sets out how we will reduce our environmental impact, embed sustainability in our curriculum, and prepare our pupils for a greener future.
Our plan has been developed collaboratively with other members of Archway Learning Trust, external agencies and the Sustainability Lead.
Why Are We Acting?
At Colwick St John’s, our guiding principle, “To Live Life in All its Fullness,” inspires us to care for our world so that everyone can flourish and enjoy life, now and in the future.
We are fortunate to have many green spaces, including our woodland area, which support outdoor learning and help pupils connect with nature. Through our curriculum, pupils explore environmental issues and consider sustainability in subjects such as geography and DT.
Recognising the urgency of the climate crisis and its impact on children’s futures, our Climate Action Plan is a key part of our school development and will be reviewed regularly to ensure sustainability informs our decisions.
How Will We Deliver and Monitor Progress?
Our plan focuses on four key areas:
- Adaptation and Resilience – Preparing for climate impacts like heatwaves and water shortages.
- Biodiversity – Enhancing habitats and supporting local wildlife.
- Climate Education and Green Skills – Embedding sustainability into our school culture and developing future-ready skills.
- Decarbonisation – Reducing carbon emissions through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable transport.
Delivery will involve the whole school community: pupils, staff, parents, and local partners. Progress will be monitored by our sustainability lead, with termly reviews and annual updates.
Our Key Actions:
Here are some of the initiatives we are implementing:
Adaptation and Resilience
- Raising awareness around our water consumption
- Conducting a climate resilience survey with pupils
Biodiversity
- Add pollinator-friendly plants, bird feeders, bat boxes, and bug hotels.
- Conduct wildlife surveys and habitat mapping with pupils.
- Mapping our site to see what more can be done to increase biodiversity.
Climate Education and Green Skills
- Appoint a sustainability lead and provide dedicated time for this role.
- Form an Eco Council for pupil-led projects and to gain pupil voice.
- Increase our use of outdoor learning to support curriculum delivery.
Decarbonisation
- Promote energy-saving behaviours through pupil-led campaigns.
- Expand uniform exchange and reuse and recycling initiatives.
- Run active travel campaigns and provide cycle proficiency training.
Get Involved
We invite parents, carers, and the wider community to join us in making Colwick St John a beacon of sustainability. Together, we can create a greener future for our children.
Find out more:
Let’s Go Zero | Education Nature Park | Climate Ambassadors | Sustainability Support for Education