An award scheme to evaluate and celebrate Education for Sustainable Development in schools and provide evidence for “Every Child Matters”

Sandwell’s Sustainable Schools Charter Award has been based on the UK Sustainable Development Strategy criteria for sustainable communities and is open to Sandwell schools that have a commitment to becoming more sustainable.

This commitment should be reflected in the school ethos, ensuring sustainable development principles are embedded in the teaching and management of the school. The obligation to sustainable practices should extend to the benefit of the wider community, both locally and globally.

The Award application process* requires schools to undertake a self-evaluation audit; this entails using level statements to identify progress. The tool allows the opportunity for action planning.

The Sandwell Award Scheme has been endorsed by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children Young People and Families; in a letter to Sandwell Chief Executive in 2007 he confirmed, “The Sandwell approach works well with the Sustainable Schools Strategy and is excellent for Sandwell Schools…”

*revised in 2005 to provide evidence for Every Child Matters and Ofsted

View good practice in a Sandwell School

What is a sustainable school?

Here is an extract from TeacherNet:

Sustainable schools aim to prepare young people for a lifetime of sustainable living, through their teaching, their fabric and through the example of their day-to-day practices. A school built on the core principles of sustainable development will encourage care:

  • care for oneself - our health and well-being
  • care for each other - across cultures, distances and generations
  • care for the environment - near and far

A sustainable school puts a high value on the well-being of its pupils and the school environment. Its classrooms are welcoming, clean and reassuring places to learn. It has a zero-tolerance approach to litter, graffiti and bullying, reinforced by staff demonstrating positive, caring, responsible behaviours. In a sustainable school rainwater is collected for maintenance of the school grounds, water is preserved by efficient flush mechanisms and taps with sensors, paper towels are recycled and only cleaning agents that do not harm the environment are used.

Little is wasted and anything surplus to requirements is recycled, composted or donated. Quality food and drink is sourced from suppliers with good environmental and animal welfare records. The school takes health seriously, taking the message out into the community and supports local suppliers where it can.

Sustainable schools are not just well-managed, caring schools. They are also great places to learn, where pupils develop self-esteem and reach high standards of achievement. Care is demonstrated in new ways and new contexts, opening pupils’ eyes to the possibilities of sustainable living.

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