Bluecoat Primary Academy Climate Action Plan: 2024–27
What is a Climate Action Plan?
In line with the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy (April 2022), all education settings are expected to appoint a sustainability lead and develop a Climate Action Plan by 2025. This plan sets out how we will reduce our environmental impact, embed sustainability in our curriculum, and prepare our pupils for a greener future.
Our plan has been developed collaboratively by the Head of School, senior leadership team, outdoor learning lead, and governors responsible for sustainability.
Why Are We Acting?
At Bluecoat Primary Academy, our ethos is rooted in preparing pupils for a sustainable future while fostering respect for our local environment. Our guiding principle, “Global Awareness – Local Responsibility,” reflects our commitment to thinking globally and acting locally to address the climate crisis.
We are fortunate to have green spaces that support outdoor learning and Forest School activities, helping pupils connect with nature.
We also inspire pupils by learning about environmental champions and exploring global perspectives through geography topics such as Africa, Asia, and contrasting localities.
However, given the urgency of the climate crisis and its impact on children’s wellbeing, we recognise that more must be done. Our Climate Action Plan is a key part of our school development strategy and governance objectives. It will be reviewed regularly to ensure sustainability is considered in every decision
How Will We Deliver and Monitor Progress?
Our plan focuses on four key areas:
- Adaptation and Resilience – Preparing for climate impacts like heatwaves and water shortages.
- Biodiversity – Enhancing habitats and supporting local wildlife.
- Climate Education and Green Skills – Embedding sustainability in teaching and developing future-ready skills.
- Decarbonisation – Reducing carbon emissions through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable transport.
Delivery will involve the whole school community pupils, staff, parents, and local partners. Progress will be monitored by our sustainability lead and governing body, with termly reviews and annual updates.
Our Key Actions for 2024–27
Here are some of the initiatives we are implementing:
Adaptation and Resilience
- Develop a heatwave policy and subscribe to Heat Health Alerts.
- Install water butts and low-flow taps to conserve water.
- Create shaded areas in playgrounds for heat resilience.
Biodiversity
- Plant 420 saplings (secured from the Woodland Trust).
- Add pollinator-friendly plants, bird feeders, bat boxes, and bug hotels.
- Conduct wildlife surveys and habitat mapping with pupils.
Climate Education and Green Skills
- Appoint a sustainability lead and provide dedicated time for this role.
- Establish an Eco Council for pupil-led projects.
- Share sustainability successes on our website and newsletters.
- Connect with Climate Ambassadors for assemblies and workshops.
Decarbonisation
- Promote energy-saving behaviours through pupil-led campaigns.
- Optimise heating and hot water systems for efficiency.
- Expand uniform exchange and reuse initiatives.
- Improve composting and recycling facilities.
- Run active travel campaigns and provide cycle proficiency training.
Get Involved
We invite parents, carers, and the wider community to join us in making Bluecoat Primary Academy a beacon of sustainability. Together, we can create a greener future for our children.
Find out more:
Let’s Go Zero | Education Nature Park | Climate Ambassadors | Sustainability Support for Education
Our BPA Sustainability and Climate Lead: Miss K Keir