At Monkwood Primary School, we are committed to playing our part in protecting our planet by taking action on a small and big scale to increase recycling, reduce waste, improve eco-efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint. During 2022-23, our eco council is working towards achieving the Eco-Schools Green Flag award by completing the relevant steps and targets required within the seven step programme. We are also working towards achieving the Green Tree Schools Award from the Woodlands Trust.

What is Eco Council?

Eco Council is a group of pupils from year 1 to 6 who meet at least half termly to discuss eco friendly and environmental issues within school which prepares children to live their future lives with consideration for global issues. There are two eco councillors from each class in Key Stage 1 and 2.

Why do we have an Eco Council?

• To ensure our school is eco-friendly and prepares pupils to live with reflection of the environment.
• To make sure each class has a platform to voice their opinions.
• To discuss and raise issues related to the environment.

What happens in the meetings?

We will begin each year by completing an environmental review to find out our schools successes and areas for improvement. We then use this to create an action plan for the upcoming year. Throughout the year each Eco Councillor meets with their class to discuss ideas about changes and improvements to the school. The issues are then raised in meetings and Eco Councillors discuss how to move forward with these ideas. The eco council will also meet with our trust’s premises manager to discuss what projects are taking place to improve the school’s eco-efficiency and lower the school’s carbon footprint.