The Eco warriors of Cefn Glas Infant School have been recognised for their efforts in sustainability, as well as in developing their school grounds to promote biodiversity and grow their own food produce.
The school’s ‘Trashion Show’, showcasing outfits made from recyclable waste, as well as its ability to reduce paper usage by half, have both contributed to its success.
However, the transformation of the school grounds into a usable to space to plant, tend to vegetation and work together for a collective cause, has been paramount in receiving the award.
Teaching the children so many skills and values, the garden space is a foundation of their learning. Winning the Keep Wales Tidy Eco Innovation Award out of the whole of Wales for their environmental efforts, the school received a Local Places for Nature Development grant of £18,000, allowing staff to invest fully in the outdoor area.
Beginning with just a small group of staff, parents, carers, governors and members of the community on a cold January weekend, to help with the building of a greenhouse and a raised bed for every year group, the school now boasts a gardener’s haven.
On June 16, the school opened its doors to show case everyone’s hard work in developing the grounds.
The Eco Council said: “We feel very, very proud to get the Eco School Award…We are glad because we are trying to help the world!”
Headteacher, Sara Johns, said: “We are very proud of all that we have achieved at Cefn Glas Infant School as a result of the hard work of the whole school community – including our Parents and Friends Association (PFA), volunteers from our families and the local community, Keep Wales Tidy, our governors, our staff and most importantly, our wonderful children.
“Eco is at the heart of everything we do and we know it permeates into our community and the wider world. Our fabulous little people are at the core of all we do and have proven that they are ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the wider world, who will continue to spread the Eco message through their lifelong successes.
“Our children fill us with pride every single day and are the reason that we do what we do at Cefn Glas Infant School.
“Diolch yn fawr to everyone who has helped us on our Eco journey!”
Wow! What an amazing experience to offer the children of Cefn Glas Infant School! Not only does this teach the children how to be self-sufficient, it also fosters a respect for nature, as well as demonstrates what can be accomplished when people work together.
So very well done to all involved, especially the children who happen to inspire us every single day!
Councillor Jon-Paul Blundell, Cabinet Member for Education
