Environmental Sustainability.

Environmental Sustainability

Here at Banks St Stephen's we are committed to protecting the environment.

We do this in our school in many different ways — always guided by our core values of Belong, Serve, Succeed.

1. We have two very dedicated Eco-Monitors from year 6, who visit classrooms at break times to ensure that lights are off and interactive boards have been closed down. This information is used in a competition each week to find our most Eco Friendly class.

Succeed – Taking responsibility and encouraging positive habits helps us all succeed as global citizens.

2. Our school lunches are always meat free on a Monday,(Meat Free Mondays), as we know that every small change can make a difference. Vegetarian options are available daily.

Serve – Making small choices for the greater good is one way we serve our planet and each other.

3. In our school grounds we have a Sharing shed. This is a space where people in our community can access donated food, and household supplies. We also have lots of free school uniforms that parents have donated, and also a lovely variety of books that have also been donated. All of these items are free and available for people to collect during school drop off and pick up.

Belong – Everyone is welcome. Our Sharing Shed is a symbol of community, care, and connection.

4. The green spaces around our school are breathtaking and watching them change through the seasons is amazing. These spaces are used by pupils and staff to unwind and reflect. At Banks St Stephen's we understand that being outdoors and connecting with nature is really important for our well being.

Belong – Nature brings us together and helps us feel grounded and calm in our school family.

5. The village of Banks is well known for its fields and farming. We are blessed to be surrounded by many farms and agricultural buisnesses. We are so very lucky that many of these buisnesses are great friends to our school and often donate things like plants, seeds and compost to help us with our learning. They are always happy to have us visit and also to come and talk to our classes and share their own wealth of knowledge.

Serve – These partnerships help us understand the importance of supporting each other and giving back.

6. St Stephen's Care Crew is group of children and adults who meet on a Wednesday afterschool to care for our school environment. They have made areas litter-free, planted some beautiful flowers and cared for our grounds. They are doing a fantastic job of looking after our school!

Serve – By caring for our school, we’re showing love and respect for the place we share.

7. Our school governors Mr Cropper and Mr Sharples both help us to grow our own vegetables in planters on the school field. Children watch them grow and are always suprised when they are harvested. This again is another wonderful learning opportunity that links directly to our curriculum.

Succeed – Learning through hands-on experiences helps us achieve in real, meaningful ways.

8. Paper, cardboard, plastic and food waste are all recycled at Bank's St Stephens.

Serve – We take care of the world around us by reducing waste and protecting the environment.

“By 2025, all education settings will have nominated a sustainability lead and put in place a climate action plan”. -DfE

In September 2025 Banks St Stephen's will have its own Environmental Sustainability Representatives in our School House of Lords. Sustainability leadership could be a group of people or an individual responsible for the development and implementation of a climate action plan. We will produce our own action plan and collectively discuss ways that we could improve our environmental sustainability.