A one-stop sustainability platform for schools is offering free taster memberships to celebrate its first anniversary.
Launched in 2024 by Peterborough-based environment charity PECT, Climate Education brings together over 25 years of knowledge and resources to help schools develop DfE-stipulated Climate Action Plans. It is now offering schools a chance to join its growing network for free.
Developed by teachers, Climate Education covers five core areas of sustainability: food, the natural environment, travel and health, waste, and climate change.
These dovetail with the Department for Education’s four pillars of climate action: decarbonisation, adaptation and resilience, biodiversity, and climate education and green careers. They also align closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Full members of Climate Education not only get access to a library of teaching resources but also get an interactive Climate Action Plan Tool, including carbon footprint tracking and a flexible accreditation pathway for showcasing their ongoing progress.
To date, Climate Education members have made over 200 pledges, ranging from tree-planting and food-waste initiatives to litter audits and single-use plastic boycotts. These pledges form part of each school’s Climate Action Plan. Climate Education has already the enriched the education of over 19,000 young people, over 23 per cent of whom are eligible for pupil premium funding.
Climate Education goes above and beyond tracking and celebrating staff and pupil-led climate action. It takes a holistic approach to curriculum-based learning and sustainability in schools.
“Our hands-on approach is what makes us different,” says Heidi Latronico-Ferris, Environmental Education Lead at PECT.
“We go into schools to run classroom-based and outdoor learning sessions, making complex topics accessible and relatable. Pupils learn how the different branches of sustainability are all interconnected – and how individuals’ actions can, collectively, have a positive impact globally.
“We offer outdoor learning teacher training and the Royal Forestry Society’s Junior Forestry Award as well,” adds Heidi.
Climate Education also provides school site development plans, advising how best to manage outside space for nature and outdoor learning. Other optional membership extras include tree planting and wildflower meadow creation packages.
The new, free membership plan gives a taster of what is on offer, including a limited number of resources and a subscription to Climate Education’s termly newsletter.
“Our network of schools is growing all the time,” says Heidi. “As we head into our second year, we’re excited to be supporting members in making positive changes in their school communities.”
Find out more about Climate Education at www.climateeducation.co.uk
