News
08 May 2009Top of the Class!
Redcar & Cleveland is top of the class according to a new report on Eco Schools in the area. With over 92% of Redcar & Cleveland schools taking part in the scheme the borough has topped the national participation list of 158 boroughs across the country. Redcar and Cleveland is also within the top 10% of boroughs in the country for the number of the most prestigious ‘Green Flag’ awards achieved by the schools, claims the report by the Redcar & Cleveland Eco Schools Network, led by environmental regeneration charity Groundwork North East This success is the icing on the cake for the Network, who have been providing advisor support and capital funding to schools across the borough over the last four years to enable them to make a success of the scheme. "The Redcar and Cleveland Eco Schools programme is held in such high national regard due to its active partnership between schools and partners agencies such as Groundwork, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, The Tees Forest and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council" said Chris Watson, Groundwork North East. The Eco Schools programme and awards scheme is co-ordinated nationally by the environmental charity ENCAMS, who do not offer any direct staff support to schools. The Eco Schools Network identified the need for support and co-ordination in 2001 and was successful in securing funding from Redcar & Cleveland Partnership’s Neighbourhood Renewal Fund from 2004 to 2008 in order to deliver the project across the whole of the borough. The funding was used to provide a package of expert staff support and capital grants to facilitate positive environmental changes within the schools, helping to improve facilities and contributing to reducing their environmental impact. Normanby Primary School used their capital grant to revamp their wildlife area, set up a vegetable patch, buy trees to plant in the school grounds and set up a model energy efficient classroom with help from their advisor. They achieved their Green Flag award in February 2008. Redcar and Cleveland Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education Councillor Ian Jeffrey said: "We are very proud that our young people are taking such a great interest in these issues and congratulate them all on gaining national recognition." The Redcar & Cleveland Eco Schools Network is currently seeking further funding in order to sustain and expand the Eco Schools programme across Redcar and Cleveland. For further information contact: Andrea Carling, Education Officer on 01287 625326
