Teach Primary Issue 19.5

questionnaires and self-evaluation exercises. The truth, of course, is that a happy medium is best. Our colleagues need to feel engaged and consulted, but it’s important not to overburden their already busy days. I’ve had to learn that not everyone may share my enthusiasm for my latest project. Watching colleagues give up the will to live at a staff meeting can be the educational equivalent of a comedian ‘dying’ in front of a live audience. Teachers are genuinely caring people who want their pupils to do well. I’ve found that, if you can do two things, most colleagues will buy into the new initiative you are trying to lead. First, try and highlight the potential benefits for pupils to your colleagues. Given that teachers want to see their students do well, they are much more likely to take on board something that they believe will genuinely benefit the children. Secondly, it is so important to bear in mind our colleagues’ workload. In the glow of excitement about your latest project, it is easy to forget just how busy everyone already is. Anything you can do to make your colleagues’ lives a little more straightforward is likely to help your project land successfully. Teachers always appreciate planners that have been pre-populated, resources that have been collated and lessons that have been planned… in outline, at least. It’s always worth thinking about training needs as well. If I’d had to deliver all those art and design lessons that I planned, I’d certainly have needed lots of professional development! Finding time It almost goes without saying, but one of the most challenging aspects of leading a whole-school development is time management. As an ex-headteacher, I understand how demanding school life is. Similarly, as a climate action advisor with the Let’s Go Zero campaign (supporting schools, colleges and nurseries to be zero carbon by 2030), I also know that schools need to make some changes. These two facts are not mutually exclusive, so I’m keen to help schools see that taking climate action isn’t a burden, but an investment in wellbeing, school improvement, and long-term savings. A climate action plan is a roadmap toward a healthier, happier, more resilient future. It not only reduces a school’s environmental impact, but also integrates climate education in the curriculum, supports student engagement, and delivers benefits like cost savings, better wellbeing, and biodiversity improvements. Of course, every school will be different, but a climate action plan helps you determine how to make the most impact from where you are. Actions can include installing energy-efficient systems, such as LED lighting, solar panels and heat pumps; improving procurement practices; greening shared spaces; and enhancing air quality. These changes improve the physical environment while also boosting morale and learning outcomes. So, how to write an action plan? These are my top five tips: 1. Appoint a sustainability lead This makes sure someone is focused on delivery, has leadership support, and drives the plan forward. 2. Engage the whole community Involve pupils, staff, and families. Climate action is a unifying goal that builds motivation and ownership across the school. And it can be great fun for the children! 3. Set measurable goals Define clear targets for areas like energy, waste, and biodiversity. Your local climate action advisor can help, too. 4. Use available resources Support is out there – from councils, NGOs, businesses, and national schemes. Use our resources to point you to what’s relevant ( tinyurl.com/tp-LGZtools ) . 5. Monitor and adapt Track progress, celebrate successes, and revise the plan as needed. For instance, Nailsea School in North Somerset developed a climate action plan, and in just six months, they have: • appointed a sustainability lead • installed a building management system • switched to LED lighting in common areas • secured grants for biodiversity improvements • partnered with the LA on active travel • added a second meat-free day in the canteen. You can do this, too; and if you need a little more assistance, the climate action advisor in your area will understand schools and climate – and will guide you through the process. Learn more about your local advisor at tinyurl.com/tp-CAA Will Ewens is a former headteacher, and is currently a climate action advisor for Let’s Go Zero. letsgozero.org 38 | www.teachwire.net Together, for a greener world