Ref: PR 2392
Date: 04/11/2009

Schools in Ossett, Castleford and South Kirkby are celebrating after getting gold for going green in the district’s first ever Clean Green School Awards.

The awards, which are run by Wakefield Council, recognise schools commitment to improve their local community, the wider environment and raise educational awareness and respect for environmental issues.

Flushdyke J & I School in Ossett, Wheldon Infant School and Nursery, Castleford and Northfield Primary School in South Kirkby all achieved a gold award - the highest possible standard - following a rigorous assessment.

The Council’s Neighbourhood Patrollers, Anti-Social Behaviour Unit and Recycling teams are all involved in supporting the schools with their entries and offer hands-on assistance and advice on initiatives that can help improve a school’s green credentials.

Some of the issues schools were judged on included reducing litter in and around school and setting up initiatives to curb litter problems, recycling activities within the school and incorporating recycling into the curriculum, as wells as being involved in projects to make to community cleaner and greener.

Cllr Clive Hudson, Cabinet Member for Environment said: “I congratulate all the award winners who should take great pride in their achievements and the positive impact they are having now and will have in the future.

“Schools are at the very heart of our communities and these awards recognise their important contribution towards making our district cleaner and greener for us all to enjoy.”

Entrants are graded against three standards, Gold, Silver and Bronze. As well as the three gold winners there were three silver and two bronze awards - Featherstone Technology College (silver), Crofton High School (silver), Pinderfields Hospital School (silver), Cathedral High School (bronze), Castleford High School (bronze)

Schools interested in entering the 2010 awards should contact Wakefield Council on 01924 307855 or email mspeak@wakefield.gov.uk

ENDS