Sustainable children’s clothing company, Frugi, is supporting Eco-Schools for another year by funding its online Eco-Coordinator Training Programme. Once again, this means training will be free for teachers and school or nursery staff in England.

The previous year saw Eco-Schools, managed by Keep Britain Tidy, present training to over 500 applicants funded by Frugi; many of whom have progressed to receive their Green Flag Award. With the application window for this academic year closing at the end of July, the current impact figures for schools across the country show just how vital this programme has been.

As of the 3 June, the stats show incredible results: £206.6k saved financially; 22.1k trees planted; 42.8k children participated in a litter pick, and 806.5k natural habitats created.

Once registered, schools gain access to Eco-Schools resources that help them meet the international Seven Step criteria. Although free to sign up, a fee of £200 (+VAT) is chargeable to cover the online assessment fee for a school’s Green Flag application during the May to July annual application window. Across 71 countries worldwide, the Eco-Schools programme gives pupils the freedom to decide on three of 10 Eco-School topics to work on and develop.

Each year Frugi donates 1% of turnover to charity as part of its Little Clothes BIG Change charity programme. The brand has donated £1 million over the past 18 years to help children and environmental non-profit organisations.

Frugi’s overall ambition is to help inspire a new generation of eco-heroes to change the world.

For this reason, the Eco-Schools programme, the largest educational programme in the world, is an ideal partner. As part of Frugi’s ongoing initiative with Eco-Schools, it has donated funding for 750 teachers and school staff throughout England, from nurseries to colleges, to attend three immersive sessions.

These one-hour sessions allow them to learn more about the Eco-Schools programme; how to deliver it in an education setting with students, and how it can benefit their school, pupils, and the wider community. The training is open to the entire Eco-Schools network. The 750 free spaces are available on a first-come, first place saved basis.

Schools are busy places, with numerous priorities and commitments. For the teaching staff, it can feel like there are not enough hours in the day to achieve all their goals.

Commenting is Adam Flint, Education Manager at Keep Britain Tidy and National Manager for Eco-Schools. “Young people are more aware of the reality of climate change than any previous generation. They are passionate – keen to approach it with a proactive and positive determination.

“At the same time, the DfE’s new Schools and Sustainability strategy is prompting schools to cover these topics in the classroom. Eco-Schools helps teachers meet these needs with a comprehensive programme that introduces their students to environmentalism with relevant, impactful and engaging content.”

Over the next academic year, with Frugi’s funding, Eco-Schools will assist 750 teachers to become Eco-Coordinators. The Eco-Coordinators will introduce pupil-led environmental action in their schools; sharing ideas, support, providing reassurance, and celebrating their success.

In 2020, Frugi funded the costs for 150 schools in England to gain their prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag certification.

The schools complete a Seven Step programme. This maps out a meaningful path towards improving the environment in both the school and the local community; all whilst having a lifelong positive impact on the lives of young people and their families.

When a child gets actively involved with Eco-Schools, they enhance their development. They are also encouraged to use their imagination and voice in a safe, non-judgemental environment. They become minute makers, organisers, planners and influencers. Eco-Schools have the power to transform pupils into forward-thinking, challenge-solving, decision-making adults of the future.

Also commenting is Frugi CEO, Sarah Clark. “Eco-Schools and our new Teacher Training Programme will not only benefit so many more children’s lives, but it helps raise environmental change-makers of the future.”

As well as the benefits to pupils, schools benefit from reducing their environmental impact.

Eco-Schools consume less water, use less energy, and produce less waste. This allows them to save money and presents opportunities for it to be allocated elsewhere in the school. Ideal for Early Years Foundation (3-5), Primary Schools (5-11), through to Secondary and Further Education (12-18), Frugi is proudly the first company to sponsor schools for all age groups.

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