Whole school climate and sustainability support
Schools are increasingly being asked to respond to the climate crisis in ways that are strategic, credible, inclusive and sustainable. This whole-school offer supports school leaders to develop a coherent approach to climate and sustainability that brings together leadership, curriculum, staff wellbeing, pupil voice, families, buildings and the wider community.
Who this support is for
It is suitable for:
- schools just beginning to think about climate and sustainability planning
- schools who already have activity in place and want to develop a clearer strategic direction
- schools responding to national or local expectations around sustainability and climate action
What this whole-school offer focuses on
The work supports school leaders to:
- develop a clear and coherent climate and sustainability vision and plan how environmental and ecological thinking is embedded across the school
- consider how children and young people can be meaningfully involved
- strengthen staff confidence and shared understanding and ensure that emotional and wellbeing needs are not overlooked
What the support could look like
This work is flexible and tailored to the needs of each school or trust. Delivery may include a combination of:
Consultation with school leaders
Structured consultation sessions to support leaders to clarify priorities, reflect on existing practice and develop a realistic and phased approach to whole-school development.
Strategic planning and review
Schools are supported to think holistically about existing strengths, areas for development and potential risks. This allows leaders to build a shared understanding of where the school is now and where it wants to move next.
Group planning and future-focused workshops
Facilitated sessions with staff and leaders may include: future-focused approaches to imagining sustainable futures and structured tools to support collective thinking and decision-making
Visual and creative planning approaches
Creative and visual methods can be used to explore complex systems within the school and represent relationships between curriculum, environment, wellbeing and community. These creative approaches can also support inclusive participation of staff
Research-informed development
Where helpful, we can review relevant research and evidence to inform strategic choices. Small scale, local research projects can also be undertaken e.g. exploring parent/carer views or teacher knowledge and confidence in this area.
Curriculum and teaching for a climate-changed future
Reflecting on how climate and sustainability learning is embedded across subjects and how learning about climate change is handled in developmentally appropriate and emotionally safe ways
What schools gain from whole-school climate support
Most importantly, this work supports schools to develop climate and sustainability practice that is thoughtful, joined-up and rooted in the real experiences of the people within the school community. Additionally, Schools who engage in this work commonly gain:
- clearer strategic direction for climate and sustainability
- increased confidence among leaders and staff
- stronger alignment between curriculum, wellbeing and environmental priorities
- greater capacity to involve pupils, families and the wider community
- approaches that feel hopeful, achievable and emotionally sustainable
Enquire about whole school stategic climate support
Get in touch to find out how Beacon can support your school, organisation or community.
hello@beaconpsychology.co.uk email us