What you can do

It is really important for children to learn about climate change and what we can do to reduce our impact on the environment. 

There are lots of resources that could support your school to engage staff and children in environmental issues. 

The best place to start is the schools advice pack and early years and childcare advice pack produced by Essex County Council. These toolkits give a range of tips, resources and support organisations for environmental activities in your school. 

We can also offer support to your school. We have produced a schools toolkit on air quality, complete with activities to raise awareness about air pollution and what we can do to reduce it. The toolkit includes curriculum based lesson ideas, videos and presentations for assemblies, quizzes and activities to get children from key stages 1,2 and 3 engaged with the subject.

We also have education rangers based at Highwoods Country Park who can provide educational opportunities for schools at Highwoods Country Park. This can include pond dipping, bug hunting and forest school activities amongst others. Equipment and lesson plans can be provided. If this sounds of interest, email countryside@colchester.gov.uk .

There are also staff that might be able to help on an ad hoc basis with school initiatives linked to the environment, for example associated with waste and litter, transport, wildlife and general climate change initiatives. Email climatechange@colchester.gov.uk if you have any requests and we’ll see how we can help.