Surrey alternative education provision awarded prestigious Green Flag Award

Over 200 schools and education settings in Surrey, help tackle climate change by becoming Eco-Schools, a global award programme which recognises the efforts made to make sustainability an integral part of school life.

Currently, 73 schools in Surrey have gained the highest Green Flag Award, which recognises their commitment to tackle environmental issues and empower young people. This puts Surrey County Council in the top ten local authorities with Eco-Schools.

Leaping into Future Education (LIFE) a full-time education provision for young people aged 16 to 19 years old, who experience barriers to learning, is just one of the 73 schools celebrating their sustainable achievements.

Students at LIFE have been at the heart of the Eco-Schools programme over the last year, reviewing recycling practices, energy use and use of single plastics. Some of the projects included, planting 78 trees, increasing areas for wildlife, including wildlife pond, wild meadow in the grass areas, bee bath and feeding station for the birds, and developing a community food table.

Projects will continue to next year and include designing a sensory area, developing the woodland area, and introducing a food shed in collaboration with local community volunteers and partners.

Marisa Heath, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Environment said: “It is always a delight to hear about the initiatives being undertaken in the county to encourage sustainable and eco-friendly environments. It is reassuring that education settings are enabling and empowering young people to make choices that lead to a greener future.”

Clare Curran, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning said: “It is fantastic to see results of the hard work and commitment from students and staff at our LIFE alternative education provision and I am delighted that students are learning about the importance of tackling climate change as they prepare for adulthood. LIFE is an important setting to support children in Surrey with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs to become more independent in their academic learning and overcome barriers as they progress into employment, further education and training, so that no child is left behind.  

“It is great to see so many schools in Surrey working hard to make sustainability a focus of school live and I would like to congratulate them and students and staff at LIFE on this fantastic achievement.”

For more information about the Eco-Schools project, visit the Surrey County Council website.