Sustainability
at St Nicholas Primary School
At St Nicholas Primary School, we are committed to playing our part in protecting the environment and helping our children to understand how their choices can make a positive difference to the world around them.
Our Climate Action Plan (2025–2026) sets out the practical steps we are taking to reduce our environmental impact, improve our school environment, and embed sustainability into everyday school life.
Reducing our carbon footprint
We are actively working to reduce energy use across the school by:
-
monitoring energy consumption more closely
-
promoting simple habits such as switching off lights and equipment
-
improving heating and lighting efficiency
-
reviewing how our buildings retain heat and use energy
These actions help reduce carbon emissions while creating comfortable learning environments for our pupils.
Caring for our school environment
We are taking steps to protect natural resources and improve our grounds by:
-
reducing waste and increasing recycling
-
cutting down on single-use plastics
-
improving water efficiency
-
increasing planting and green spaces
-
exploring ways to support wildlife and biodiversity on our site
Pupils are involved through assemblies, school council activities and practical projects, helping them to take pride in their environment.
Learning about climate change and sustainability
Sustainability is part of our wider curriculum and school culture. Children learn about:
-
climate change and environmental responsibility
-
healthy, sustainable food choices
-
caring for nature and local habitats
-
green skills and future careers
We also work with national programmes such as Let’s Go Zero and external partners to support learning and whole-school action.
Working together
Our approach to sustainability involves the whole school community:
-
pupils, staff and governors
-
families and the wider community
-
local and national organisations
We regularly review our progress and update our plans to ensure we continue to make meaningful improvements.
Please see our Climate Action Plan below:
“Staff feel valued and proud to work here – creating a positive school culture.”
“High expectations inspire pupils to work hard and achieve their best.”
“A welcoming, well-organised school where pupils feel safe, valued and known.”
“Reading is a priority from the very start of school life.”
“A small school with a huge heart, where children are truly cared for.”
“Children are taught to respect differences and celebrate who they are.”
“A school that continues to be judged good, with safeguarding at its heart.”
“An ambitious curriculum helps pupils speak confidently about their learning.”
“Behaviour is calm and positive, with pupils showing kindness and courtesy.”
“Pupils know they have trusted adults to turn to if they are worried.”
“Strong relationships with parents are built from the moment children join the school.”
“Staff know every child well and build warm, respectful relationships.”