Last term, we were delighted by the enthusiasm shown by our children and families for our Biodiversity Pledges. The small actions taken at home and in school showed us just how much we can achieve when we all work together to care for the natural world.

This term, we are building on that success with a new focus: food and sustainable farming. Our class teachers have shared our new Class Food Pledges, which encourage children to think about where our food comes from, how we can avoid wasting it and how we can make choices that are better for people and the planet. A key theme running through our pledges is reducing food waste.

The children will be thinking about simple things they can do, such as:

●taking only what they think they will eat and trying not to waste food;
●putting food waste in the correct bin;
●trying new fruits and vegetables;
●understanding how much food is wasted and considering how we might reduce this;
●learning about leftovers and how food can sometimes be used again rather than thrown away.

Our pledges also encourage children to think about the things that help our food grow. Across the school, children will
be learning about growing plants, caring for soil, saving water and supporting wildlife. Younger children might plant a
seed, look carefully at plants and insects or learn how to care for something they are growing. Older pupils will begin
to explore sustainable farming, including how different farming approaches can help protect soil, water, biodiversity
and our wider environment.

How can families get involved?

There is absolutely no expectation to make big changes at home. As with our biodiversity work last term, small,
achievable actions can make a real difference. Please do share your family pledges with us on Google Classroom.
You could support your child’s pledge by:

● involving them in planning meals and making a shopping list;
● encouraging them to try a new fruit or vegetable;
● checking the fridge together and thinking about how food can be used before it goes to waste;
● talking about where a particular food has come from;
● growing some herbs, vegetables or fruit, even in a pot or small space;
● using food leftovers creatively;
● talking about why seasonal food can be a positive choice;
● making sure food waste goes into the appropriate bin.

We are delighted that Dottie, our Year 6 Sustainability Ambassador, will be supporting Miss Fairweather this term to
raise the profile of our Food Pledges across the school. She will help us look at food waste and consumption, explore
ways to make our Snack Shack greener and encourage children to share their ideas. Together, they will celebrate the
small steps our classes are taking to care for people and the planet.