Anstey Latimer Primary School

Article by Lynsey James

Keep Britain Tidy’s Eco-Schools programme is a great way to engage young people about environmental issues.

Anstey Latimer Primary School were awarded the EcoSchools’ green flag, with merit, in July 2022.

Teacher, Mr King and his eco committee, are now working towards getting the silver award for their school. The eco committee is made up of 8 school children, across years 3 – 6. Having involvement across all these year groups helps to highlight that this is something that even the youngest of children can get involved in; raising awareness about environmental concerns.

The Eco-Schools programme provides the platform and tools to steer young people to where they can make immediate and tangible carbon reductions within their school. It aims to influence improvements more broadly in their communities and at home too.

The school have been involved in many projects since launching their eco committee.

For example, the school have planted saplings around one edge of the school field, which will grow into a new hedgerow. It will provide the perfect environment for our mini beasts, pollinators and wildlife.

They have undertaken big ‘switch off’ days at school to reduce the energy used in class and highlight the need to reduce our energy consumption.

Classrooms are also awarded points for ensuring that all lights and PC’s and devices are turned off in classrooms and other areas at the end of the day. Our lovely cleaning staff help to monitor this each day.

They have had another school wide project aimed at reducing litter in our local area, with a poster competition. You will have seen the posters around the village encouraging people not to drop litter.

The school are currently working with The Loughborough Building society in The Nook and have completed an Easter themed project, aimed at raising awareness about reusing, repurposing and recycling. Please look out for the children’s Easter crafts in our local shops around the village around Easter time.

Eco committee member Thea shares her thoughts: “Being in an eco-school is important because the changes we make will impact children more than their parents or grandparents. I also like being on the eco committee so we can think of fun ways to teach children how to look after our planet. The Easter sculpture competition for example led to lots of family discussions at home about recycling, the children enjoyed the arts and crafts and the competitive nature meant we all worked really hard to try to win!”

To find out more about Keep Britain Tidy’s eco-school’s environmental programme, check out their website: www.eco-schools.org.uk

Hopefully you’ll be inspired to get your school involved too!

ART EXHIBITION and SALE

(Alongside Thurcaston and Cropston Open Gardens)

Saturday June 24th – 3pm to 6pm

Sunday June 25th – 2pm to 6pm

Local artist John Crewe will exhibit many of his original canvases.

Place: The Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston , Leicester LE7 7JA Soft drinks available

All paintings will be on sale at very reasonable prices – a chance to select your own original work of art. Further details - contact Sylvia or John Cole on 0116 -2352873

“THE BEST OF BRITISH”

Enjoy High Tea and music by the choir and harpists from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Christ Church, Dumbleton Avenue, Leicester, LE3 2EG

Saturday May 13th at 4pm £15 admission by ticket only from Joy: Tel 01162874042