St Leonard's has become the first nursery school in Edinburgh to achieve the prestigious Eco Schools Green Flag status for a third time.

The coveted Green Flag is awarded to schools who exhibit proactive environmental work covering topics such as water, health and wellbeing, waste management, litter, transport, school grounds, biodiversity and energy.

Pupils and teachers worked towards integrating sustainable development issues into the curriculum and this work has earned the school their third Green Flag. For example, the nursery grew a number of different fruits and vegetables. A wide programme of recycling has also been in operation. Rainwater is also conserved to use to water the garden and wildlife area.

-- Advertisement --

The nursery also did an extensive transport survey and have instigated a programme with the children's families revolving around healthy eating and exercise.

City of Edinburgh Councillor Mrs Marilyne MacLaren, Convener for Education, Children and Families, said: "The Eco Schools initiative is doing a lot to encourage pupils to act responsibly when it comes to their environment. The pupils and teachers at St Leonard's should be proud of being the first nursery school in Edinburgh to achieve their third Green Flag. I hope they keep up the good work and that their success will encourage other schools in Edinburgh."

Kate Campbell Manager of Eco Schools Scotland who awarded the school their 3rd Green Flag reported: "We were very impressed with just how confident, knowledgable and enthusiastic the children were. The wildlife garden is a fabulous resource. It was very evident that the children bnefit enormously from having such a wonderful and stimulating external environment"

The Eco Schools in Edinburgh initiative ties in with other school-based campaigns such as Safer Routes to School, Health Promoting Schools, Enterprise in Education, Grounds for Awareness and Active Schools.

(GK/JM)