Llanfabon Infants School in Nelson has become the first infants school in Caerphilly County Borough to achieve a prestigious Eco Schools Platinum Award.
The school has been an active eco school since 2008 and has gone from strength-to-strength, with the Eco Schools ethos now embedded in the school’s daily life.
The Eco Committee developed an action plan which included reducing water usage by installing hippo bags in toilets, introducing automatic lights switches and enhancing the curriculum through activities such as Multicultural Week and Fair Trade Fortnight.
One area that has had the biggest impact is the school grounds.
With help from Groundwork Caerphilly the school was able to establish a Sensory Garden within the grounds. The pupils have all helped in its development from painting and planting flower beds to creating a music area.
Governors and parents have also helped by building bird and bug boxes and vegetable and wildlife gardens.
Emma Swales, deputy headteacher, said: “I believe Llanfabon Infant School achieved this award through the hard work and dedication of not only our Eco Committee members – both pupils and staff, but through the work embedded into our whole school curriculum. We will continue to build upon these achievements to ensure Llanfabon Infant School remains eco-friendly.”