Adapt-Ed: Climate Adaptation through Education
Adapt-Ed is a collaborative project helping primary schools in Sheffield respond to climate risks such as flooding, overheating and water scarcity. Through teacher CPD, curriculum development and outdoor learning, the project builds pupils’ knowledge, skills and agency while supporting schools to embed climate adaptation into everyday practice. By combining research, education and community action, Adapt-Ed demonstrates how schools can become hubs for local climate resilience.
Think Climate! Project in a Box
For the 2024–25 academic year, Sheffield Hallam University’s Institute of Education collaborated with South Yorkshire Children’s University to launch Think Climate!, a climate-focused “Project in a Box” initiative offering eight themed, research-informed after-school sessions designed to boost pupils’ understanding of climate change, biodiversity, and local solution-focused actions, while also helping to reduce eco-anxiety
Tomorrow’s Climate Scientists
Funded by the Royal Society, Sheffield Hallam University has worked with 25 primary schools in South Yorkshire to link STEM professionals from both universities in the city, along with professionals from industry to provide opportunities for students to explore climate and biodiversity through practical investigations. Cohort 1 ran from January 2025 to July 2025 , while cohort 2 has run from October 2025 to February 2026.
Climate Leaders Conference – March 2025
In March 2025, Sheffield Institute of Education at Sheffield Hallam University hosted a free one-day conference for education setting leaders. The conference was attended by over 120 people. Representatives attended from early years settings, schools, colleges and universities as well as local and national government. Colleagues from charities and organisations that support education settings presented in workshops and hosted stalls.
Built for Change – Sheffield City Council
Built for Change is a partnership programme which aims to reduce health inequalities by supporting education providers in Sheffield to adapt to the changing climate. The programme is running from Spring 2025 to Spring 2027. The main area of focus, particularly in the first year of the programme, is direct support to education providers through an intensive support pilot. Sheffield Hallam University is providing support through evaluation, CPD creation and developing sustainable funding models including grant applications.
Bringing Nature into Teaching – Developing a Blueprint for CPD
Sheffield Hallam University is working with The Wildlife Trusts to develop a research-informed CPD blueprint that enables teachers to embed outdoor, nature-based learning across the curriculum. Through literature reviews, surveys, focus groups and case studies, the project co-produces an evidence-based, flexible model tailored to real school contexts. The blueprint will address barriers to engagement, support whole-school approaches, and provide a scalable foundation for national rollout, helping teachers confidently lead meaningful learning in and with nature.