Sheffield Sustainable Schools Network and showcasing Dobcroft Infant School’s school grounds and nature journey, Sheffield
November saw the first face to face #EcoTeachMeet of the Sheffield Sustainable Schools Network at Dobcroft Infant School, Sheffield.
Sheffield Sustainable Schools is an external network hosted by Sheffield Hallam University, Institute of Education. The network was established in September 2023 to support practitioners in Sheffield and the wider South Yorkshire area to facilitate quality sustainability and climate education from early years through to higher education.
The network aims to develop, facilitate, and bring together those interested in climate change and sustainability education. Activities include monthly eBulletins, termly #EcoTeachMeets, termly newsletters and showcasing events taking place in and around Sheffield (for practitioners and students).
The network has come about due to the recent recruitment of Lee Jowett, a Climate Change and Sustainability Research Fellow who previously worked for a local authority. Further information about the network and to sign up for information is on their website.
As a long-standing Green Flag Eco-School, Dobcroft Infant School hosted the first #EcoTeachMeet. Over 30 school staff were able to listen Zoe Singh, Deputy Headteacher at Dobcroft Infant talk about the school grounds and nature journey as well as colleagues from Let’s Go Zero, Eco-Schools and the Yorkshire and Humber officers from the National Nature Park.
The school has recently developed a large forest school area so that whole year groups could access the area. This initially involved governors and the Eco-team meeting with the local Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust. One of the first steps was removing brambles to improve the overall biodiversity and the plan is to introduce a pond and range of appropriate woodland plants.
They have signed up for the National Nature Park, explored the Climate Friendly Schools website and are very much looking forward to delivering many of the activities being developed and showcased by the National Nature Park.
