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Eco-School Minutes 15-09-05

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Minutes of Stafford Borough Eco-Schools' Network Meeting

Held on 15^th September 2005 at Weston Road High School

1.      Present:       Wendy Roslow, Weston Rd H S

                                 Julie Smith, St. Michael's, Stone

                                 Alan Watson, Walton Hall Special School

                                 Julia Windsor-Pye, Walton Hall Special

                                 Katie Edgecombe, St Andrews, Weston

                                 Karen Davies, Stafford Borough Council

                                 Carol Steptoe, Silkmore

                                 Maggie Whitehouse, Weston Road H S

2.      Apologies: Margaret Prince, St. Peter's, Hixon

                           Richard West, Penkridge

                           Jo Perry, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust

3.      Eco-Schools Support

Now Sam has left for pastures new, we still hope to continue support to the Eco-Schools programme. This will consist of: network meetings, Eco-Watch newsletter, Eco Action Day, general advice etc.    

·        Some of those present were keen to have an update/summary of what the Eco-Schools programme is all about. The Stafford Borough Eco-Schools network can help you!!   

"The Eco-Schools programme provides a simple framework to enable the school to analyse its operations and become more sustainable. Pupil involvement is a key part of the Eco-Schools programme. The scheme intends to encourage them to take responsibility for the future of their own environment as they are engaged in the whole programme process, including monitoring, action planning and decision-making, which leads to genuine ownership of the programme and an increase in their sense of responsibility for the school environment and local area. The school becomes a more stimulating place in which to learn, whilst reducing the environmental impact of the whole school on the community. The school will be part of an international group of schools working towards education for sustainable development (ESD).

There is an award scheme that will raise the profile of your school in the wider community:

™ Bronze award - self-assessed via website leading to a certificate
™ Silver award - self-assessed via website leading to a certificate
™ Green Flag - externally assessed leading to a certificate and flag"

·        People in the group also wanted some information on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) which is referred to in the new UK Sustainable Development Strategy (which came out in March 2005). The Strategy says this: 

In 2005 the government will launch a sustainable development framework for schools, a web-based service hosted within www.teachernet.gov.uk, providing a one-stop shop for teachers and school leaders. Also in the next 10-15 years the government is committed to renewing all secondary schools (some 3,400) in particular through the Building Schools for the Future programme. All new schools will need be rated 'very good' according to a system designed with the Building Research Establishment".

·        The Eco-Schools Newsletter 'Eco-Watch' is due out in mid October. Please forward any items to Karen by Monday 3rd October:

Karen Davies

Local Agenda 21 Co-ordinator

Housing and Environmental Services

Stafford Borough Council

Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford ST16  3AQ

Tel: 01785 619 408  Fax: 01785 619 319

Email: kdavies@staffordbc.gov.uk

·        Eco-Schools Action Day

Mainly children involved with the Eco-School Committees went to this event. Around 100 participated and the feedback was really good! Varied activities and events were arranged for a very low price and everyone thought it was a really good event. We had planned to hold the day in September, but will now be holding it in the Spring. Date subsequently confirmed as 24^th March 06. Karen/Jane to check with the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust for venue and liaise with Jo Perry.

4.      FARM VISITS FEEDBACK

·        "Lower Drayton Farm" - Very positive feedback

·        "Hapley Wood Farm" - Excellent

·        Silkmore photos have already been given to Sam.

·        Farm Training Days - FACE - Karen/Jane to get feedback on these days and how successful they have been.

5.      Feedback from Schools

·        St. Andrews

* Need information on how to get assessed

* Ideas about to grow vegetables (HDRA website, RHS website). Local helpful gardeners may be a good resource.

·        Walton Halll

* Currently preparing horticulture plots with post 16's.

* Keen to encourage visits from other schools in the area.

* Need an Eco-School Pack please! (Karen/Jane).

·        St. Michael's

* Just started vegetable patches

* Entering pumpkin competition. TV cameras will be there next week!

* Lots of good things going on.

·        Silkmore

* The garden is very productive, the tomatoes are going to the school kitchen, the other vegetables are being used in the classroom or being taken home.

* British Potato Council held a competition - Silkmore won second prize!!! They grew 2 Kg of potatoes from 2 seed potatoes (Sam has photos)

·        Weston Rd

* Now have a cardboard recycling skip, through Downeys

01785 249010  (talk to John)

* Does anyone collect/pay for cans these days (Jane to check with Recycling Officers)

* Does anyone know of a source of green boxes for recycling?

* Active on Fairtrade

·        Interested on renewable eg solar panels.

6.      NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 22^nd November at 4:15 pm

For more information on Eco-schools contact the LA21 team, Tel: 01785 619408

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