Sustainability:
Parkfield Community School is committed to empowering children to be advocates and agents of change for a more sustainable world by providing education on climate change and equipping them with the skills to make positive environmental decisions. Parkfield’s climate action plan focusses on four key areas: Decarbonisation and Energy Efficiency, Climate Adaptation and Resilience, Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure, Climate Education, Green Skills and Green Careers.
Key initiatives include:
- Embedding climate change education (CCE) into the curriculum and developing positive self-regulation strategies to manage eco-anxiety.
- Enhancing sustainability efforts through improved waste management (food waste, plastics) and the "reduce, reuse, recycle" strategy.
- Promoting biodiversity by creating habitats, improving air and water quality, and implementing rainwater harvesting.
- To embed sustainable initiatives into the OPAL provision.
- Revising procurement policies to ensure sustainability in purchasing.
At Parkfield Community School, we are proud to support Let's Go Zero, a nationwide campaign that brings together schools, teachers, children, families and communities with a shared ambition of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2030.
We recognise that tackling climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing our generation. By reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices, we can help protect the planet for the future. Through our involvement with Let's Go Zero, Parkfield Community School is committed to taking positive action to lower carbon emissions, increase environmental awareness, and encourage sustainable choices across our school community.
As part of this growing network of schools, we are working towards meaningful change while helping to inspire children to become responsible environmental leaders. Together, we are contributing to a greener future and supporting wider community action to create lasting environmental improvements.
Key Staff:
- Sustainability Leader: Mr Dan Dowson (Assistant Headteacher & OPAL Lead).
- RHS Grant Horticultural Lead: Mrs Kelly O’Brien (EYFS Class Teacher / Nursery Lead Teacher).
- Site Team: Mr Tariq Hussain (Site Supervisor), Mr Alan Davies (Site Assistant), Mr Frank Gravestock (Gardener).
- OPAL Team: Mr Dan Dowson (AHT / OPAL Lead) & Mrs Gazalah Hussain (MDS / OPAL Lead), and our team of Midday Supervisors (Play Leaders).
Learning Through Meaningful Action
At Parkfield Community School, sustainability is brought to life through hands-on experiences that empower children to make a real difference. Our environmental work is woven throughout school life, giving children opportunities to take responsibility for initiatives such as recycling, reducing waste, saving energy, and caring for our outdoor spaces. Through lessons, projects, and leadership opportunities, children learn how their choices can positively affect the environment and the wider community. By taking part in practical activities, they develop important skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership, while gaining a sense of pride in contributing to positive change.
Creating a Sustainable Future
We are committed to helping children understand their role in building a more sustainable world. By encouraging curiosity, responsibility, and respect for the environment, we aim to develop values that will stay with them throughout their lives. Sustainability at Parkfield Community School is about more than environmental awareness; it is about inspiring children to become thoughtful, responsible citizens who care about their community and the world around them. Through our ongoing commitment to eco-friendly practices and climate action, we are helping children gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to create a brighter future for generations to come.
Information on our operational rating can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/display-energy-certificates-and-advisory-reports-for-public-buildings/a-guide-to-display-energy-certificates-and-advisory-reports-for-public-buildings
Our Commitment
Sustainability is not a one-off project but an ongoing journey. We continually review and evaluate our actions to ensure we are making meaningful progress towards our environmental goals. As a result, our Climate Action Plan will be regularly updated to reflect new initiatives, achievements, and opportunities for further improvement.
