In order to achieve the international Eco-Schools Green Flag award a school or nursery must meet the following criteria, which has been created for Early Years settings.
Further information about the Eco-Schools Criteria for Step 7: Eco-Code.
Eco-Schools Team Tip
Make your Eco-Code simple so younger children can interact with it, the Eco-Schools team all love when an early years Eco-Code is performed to a nursery rhyme or song.
A list of Eco-Code resources you will be able to access when you login to your Eco-Schools account.
Everything you need to know about creating an Eco-Code.
What is an Eco-Code?Â
The Eco-Code is the Eco-Committee’s mission statement. It should demonstrate – in a positive, clear and imaginative way, a commitment to improving your environment. The Eco-Code can take any form you like: song, rhyme, picture, poem etc.
How often do we need to change the Eco-Code?
We recommend you update your Eco-Code annually. This is because the Eco-Code should reflect the topics your school is working on and there should be slight changes to these topics every year.
How can our children be involved in creating the Eco-Code?
Whilst they may be too young to create an Eco-Code by themselves, they should have the opportunity to share ideas about what they want to include in their Eco-Code.
Do all children have to know our Eco-Code?
No, some children in Early Years settings may be too young to memorise the Eco-Code. Where possible, we would expect children to be aware of the Eco-Code and have some understanding of it. If it helps your Eco-Code can be linked to an existing nursery rhyme or song that your children already know.
Where should we display our Eco-Code?
Your Eco-Code should be displayed on your Eco-Board and in various other places within your building.
Why is this the final step?
The Eco-Code is the final step as it should reflect the work your Eco-Committee have carried out to achieve Eco-Schools Green Flag status – it’s your celebration statement!
