Climate Action Plan
At Sidlesham Primary School, we are committed to preparing our children for the future by developing responsible, environmentally aware citizens while ensuring our school site is sustainable, resilient and fit for purpose.
As a small coastal primary school, we recognise both our opportunities and our responsibilities. Our older buildings, extensive grounds, existing solar panels, rural location and local flood risk all shape our approach to climate action. Sustainability is not an “extra” - it is part of securing the very best life chances for every child through an inspiring, high-quality education.
Parent Update April 2026
In line with the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, our Climate Action Plan focuses on four key areas:
Decarbonisation
We are working to reduce our environmental impact through smarter energy use, improved building efficiency, careful procurement and sustainable travel choices. This includes reducing waste, improving insulation and lighting, reviewing energy use, promoting active travel where possible, and encouraging responsible use of resources across school life.
Adaptation and Resilience
As a coastal school, preparing for flooding, severe weather and future climate risks is especially important. Our plan includes flood preparedness, site resilience, business continuity planning and ensuring that learning can continue safely during periods of disruption.
Climate Education and Green Careers
Children learn about sustainability through our curriculum, assemblies, outdoor learning and pupil leadership opportunities such as Eco Council. We use our local environment—including coastal change, biodiversity and conservation—as real-life learning opportunities to help pupils understand their role in protecting the world around them and to introduce them to future green careers.
Biodiversity and Wellbeing
Our extensive grounds provide valuable opportunities for outdoor learning, biodiversity projects and wellbeing support. Through tree planting, wildlife areas, gardening, bushcraft and forest school experiences, pupils develop a strong connection with nature while improving both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Working Together with Families
Parents and carers play an important role in supporting sustainable habits. Families can help by encouraging reusable water bottles and lunch containers, reducing unnecessary waste, choosing walking or scootering where possible, and talking positively about environmental responsibility at home.
We also work closely with our wider community through local partnerships, parent workshops and pupil-led projects to ensure climate action becomes part of everyday school life.
Monitoring and Governance
Our Climate Action Plan is monitored regularly by school leaders and governors. Sustainability priorities are included within our School Development Plan and reviewed through leadership meetings, Eco Council reporting and governor challenge.
This ensures our work remains purposeful, measurable and focused on long-term improvement for our pupils, families and community.