Cross Ash Primary School has achieved its Eco Schools Platinum Flag, awarded by Mrs Bryony Bromley, on behalf of Eco Schools Wales.

This award demonstrates the school’s long-term commitment to environmental education, student involvement and sustainability.

Mrs Kathryn Presdee-Salathiel, the school’s head teacher said: "I could not be more proud of the staff and children. Miss Amy Phillips’ enthusiasm has inspired the pupils and community to become involved in the project.

"The children and staff have worked hard for this prestigious award and the eco ethos throughout the school has increased phenomenally over the last year. The children are all dedicated and enthusiastic in playing their part for the environment, spreading messages home and to the wider community." she added.

The Eco Committee has driven staff to think carefully about embedding eco themes within their classrooms through topics such as Energy, Recycling, Waste Minimisation, Water and Wildlife.

Bryony said: "The level of integration of Eco-Schools’ work and themes into the curriculum and general life of the school is exemplary; they have worked really hard to embed the programme and ensure that all pupils and staff are getting involved and making a difference."

During the assessment, the Eco Committee spoke highly of class projects that have been taking place and the depth of investigation and understanding that the pupils showed. Making the choice to say no to plastic red noses during Comic Relief emphasises the pupils’ level of commitment.

"At Christmas, children campaigned against non-recyclable wrapping paper and reinforced the message ’if it springs back, put it back!’ Younger pupils in the school had fun making Eco Bricks, promoting the slogan "less to landfill," Bryony added.

She was also impressed by how well Cross Ash pupils have spread ideas and sustainable practices outside school. One initiative is the collecting of crisp packets from the wider community and partnering with Terracycle to put the crisp packets to a better use once recycled.

Miss Phillips would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff and pupils, particularly the PTFA, and Mrs Brunt and Mrs Jellard who run Gardening Club. Mrs Bromley was also pleased to hear about the high level of reusing clothes and uniform through Cross Ash Primary School’s termly SWISH project.

Pictured with the Eco Committee 2018-19 are Miss Phillips (Eco Coordinator) and Mrs Presdee-Salathiel (Headteacher)