Chelmsford: primary school praised for environmental teaching

10:00am Monday 26th May 2008

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A PRIMARY school is bringing up tomorrow's eco warriors - according to a Government report.

Little Waltham Primary School, in The Street, Little Waltham, was one of just 25 primary schools picked for a survey in the education watchdog Ofsted's nationwide report on teaching and climate change.

The report, dubbed 'schools and sustainability: a climate for change', highlighted the school's good practise in making environmental friendliness part of everyday life at the school.

Authors of the report claim the survey - of 25 primary schools and 16 secondary schools - show that teaching children to be greener brings the issues of climate change to life.

The school's eco-committee and group made up of year six pupils, as well as the year five junior eco-group.

Children's range of responsibilities at the school include collecting fruit scraps from all the classrooms, to be put in the composting bin and later used by the school gardening club.

Speakers from Chelmsford Council also visit the school, to talk about recycling and work with the children on activities, such as making paper.

Acting headteacher Trish Carroll, said: "We are delighted that our school has been highlighted for its positive work in helping pupils to care about the environment and live in a sustainable way.

"Our aim at Little Waltham is that all pupils leaving school are ready to take action to improve the world they live in."

The report said that teachers inspired children's imagination when talking about environmental issues and recycling.

Little Waltham Primary was one of the few schools surveyed to stand out for its good practise, as many were found to lack awareness of environmental issues or national and local government policies in place.