• OPTIONAL FOR FIRST GREEN FLAG: A broad age range from your nursery or school is represented on your Eco-Committee, when a group of children are too young to represent themselves they can be represented by a staff member from their room and/or a parent/guardian. Please note it is not necessary to appoint a new Eco-Committee each academic year.
• Your Eco-Committee meet at least once every quarter.
• Evidence from Eco-Committee meetings is recorded and demonstrates children’s involvement.
• Evidence from meetings is recorded on your Eco-Board.
• OPTIONAL FOR FIRST GREEN FLAG: There is representation from managers and/or parents on your Eco-Committee. They do not have to attend every meeting, but should be kept up-to-date.
• Older children on your Eco-Committee inform other children in your school or nursery about your Eco-Schools work.

Meeting Minutes (Child Version)

Meeting Minutes (Adult Version)

Please feel free to use our templates or your own method (i.e. children’s learning journeys) to record evidence of Eco-Committee meetings.

Aren’t the children too young to represent themselves?

We have seen children in early years settings actively involved in Eco-Committees, however, realistically we acknowledge that some children in nurseries are very young. When children are too young to represent themselves we would like to see a relevant adult representing them to ensure that these children are still involved in Eco-Schools work.

Does the Eco-Committee have to change every year?

No, this is entirely up to you, as long as you ensure a broad age range from your school or nursery is represented.

Do the Eco-Committee have to be displayed on the Eco-Board?

Yes, this provides evidence that helps the Eco-Schools team assess your Green Flag application, ideally you should include a picture of each committee member accompanied by their names and ages. If you have concerns about displaying your Eco-Committee on your Eco-Board please get in touch to discuss with the Eco-Schools team.

How often should the Eco-Committee meet?

This depends on how quickly you want to complete your journey to an Eco-Schools Green Flag award. Some Eco-Committees meet weekly, whilst other meet monthly or even less frequently. Our criteria asks you to meet at least once every quarter.

What adults should be on the Eco-Committee?

You choose the adults (that comply with your safeguarding policy) who you would like to invite to join your Eco-Committee. Additional adults may include: teachers, room leaders, learning support assistants, senior leaders/managers, site managers, lunchtime staff, parents or governors.

Do we have to record evidence from Eco-Committee meetings? 

Yes, this acts as important evidence towards a Green Flag application. You can either ask an adult to record meeting minutes or record more informal evidence in the style of a learning journey.

Do we have to display evidence from Eco-Committee meetings on our Eco-Board?

Yes, the Eco-Board is an important part of the Eco-Schools process as it helps inform your community about your Eco-Schools work and helps the Eco-Schools team gather the evidence needed to avoid schools or nurseries being disappointed after an assessment visit. When applying for your Eco-Schools Green Flag award we ask that you upload a clear photo of your Eco-Board.