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Sustainable schools: local wellbeing

Fact - people with higher socioeconomic position in society have a greater array of life chances and more opportunities to lead a flourishing life and they also have better health (Marmot Review).

Fact - action to reduce health inequalities can only be effective if individuals and local communities are empowered to be part of the decision-making (Marmot Review).

Fact - local authorities and other agencies report that the best way to encouragepeople to change their behaviour is to offer them flexible and appropriate services, so it becomes easier to change than to stay in old habits (The Local Wellbeing Project).

This doorway is about recognising the potential of your school to be a centre of learning and a catalyst for positive change within the community. It links very clearly with the extended schools agenda by focusing on providing services that promote community cohesion, facilitate the strengthening of relationships and contribute to improvement of the local environment.

Doorway booklet - local well-being

Top tips for linking local wellbeing with sustainability.

• Distribute leadership: consider appointing a member of staff as ‘community champion’ with responsibility for keeping the school informed about community events and causes.
• Involve the wider community in all aspects of your work on sustainability: communicate through meetings, newsletters, your website and the local media and invite people into school to take part in key events.
• Forge links with local organisations such as church groups, the Boys Brigade, Rotary and your local library and look for ways to work together on sustainability and other local challenges.
• Connect with other schools to work together on community activities such as tree planting, concerts and drama productions.
• Amend your school improvement plan to include your vision of the part your school will play in improving local wellbeing.

Case studies

Education for sustainability in an extended school - Bowbridge Primary School

A week of sustainability learning experiences - Bydales School

From coal to zero carbon - Cassop School

Everyone can lead sustainability - Colby Primary School

Exploring sustainable lifestyles at a local and international level - Crispin School

Incorporating sustainability into life at a special school - Glebe School

A whole-school approach to sustainability - Meare Village Primary School t

Sustainability in an early years setting - Monkchester Road Nursery

Specialising in education for sustainability - Academy of St Francis of Assisi