In April 2022, the Department for Education introduced a national Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for schools and early years settings. By 2025, all educational institutions are expected to have a named sustainability lead and a clearly defined climate action plan. This plan is designed to help schools both embed sustainable practices and teach pupils about the importance of environmental responsibility.

Our own climate action plan has been shaped collaboratively by the headteacher, our Eco Lead (Mr Pilkington), members of the pupil-led Eco Team, and our Let’s Go Zero representative.

At Yeoford, our ethos centres on preparing children for a future in which sustainability is both a necessity and a shared value. Our guiding principle, “Global Thinking – Local Action,” reflects our belief in empowering pupils to understand global environmental issues while taking meaningful steps within their own community. We aim to give every child the knowledge, confidence, and sense of responsibility to contribute positively to the planet.

Care and respect for the natural world are woven into daily life at Yeoford. Set in the heart of rural Devon, surrounded by open countryside and within reach of the coast, we are privileged to use our outdoor environment as an extension of the classroom. Our pupils learn to appreciate and protect the nature that surrounds them through regular outdoor learning and environmental projects.

Environmental awareness, problem solving, and climate action planning are embedded across our curriculum. Through this, pupils gain a deep and practical understanding of sustainability and their role in building a greener future.

Our climate action plan focuses on four core priorities: decarbonisation, resilience and adaptation, biodiversity, and climate education with green skills development. Each priority includes clear, achievable objectives and defined actions for this academic year.

The whole school community will work together to bring our vision to life. Collaboration, shared ideas, and active participation are key to ensuring the plan has real impact. We will continue to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new ones to access wider expertise and resources.

Progress will be reviewed termly alongside our Let’s Go Zero ambassador to ensure accountability and momentum. Staff will be given the necessary time, training, and resources to lead key elements of the plan effectively.

Our action plan is a living document: it will be updated annually to reflect our achievements and set new priorities. Through regular evaluation and reflection, we aim to ensure our school remains on track to meet national sustainability expectations and to model environmental stewardship for our pupils and community.