Queensferry CP School has been awarded the prestigious Platinum Flag Award, after previously gaining three Green Flag Awards, thanks to the environmental education programme, Eco-Schools.

Eco-Schools is an international programme run in Wales by environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy and funded by the Welsh Government.

The Eco-Schools programme inspires and empowers pupils to be leaders of change in their community, helping them learn about sustainable living and global citizenship while giving them the information and support they need to make changes that will benefit their school, local environment and wider community, such as reducing waste, energy consumption, transport, biodiversity, healthy living and litter issues.

As part of the Eco-Schools Platinum assessment, Queensferry CP wanted to improve the school grounds.

The staff decided to focus on developing the Forest School site and gardening area for the Foundation Phase outdoor area.

The school linked the project with the National Outdoor Classroom's Day.

Each class was timetabled a whole day to spend outside, and contributed to the planting of fruit and vegetables in the garden area.

Pupils also made bug hotels, bird boxes and bird feeders to improve the school grounds for wildlife and to increase biodiversity.

The school gained support from the local construction site who helped us to clear the garden area from well-established deep-rooted vegetation.

They also had support from a team of Redrow graduates, who donated a bug hotel, bird box and two planters to put in our garden area. The school caretaker also helped to build raised beds.

Vikki Hughes, Eco-School coordinator, said: "It has been wonderful to see each child take part in this project. The garden area is now a peaceful place for all to enjoy promoting staff and pupil wellbeing.

"Since our project we have seen a noticeable increase in wildlife including birds and insects.

"We were able to harvest our fruit and vegetables in the summer term and enjoyed a variety of tomatoes, marrows, strawberries and herbs."

Headteacher Alison Wyn-Hughes said: "The Platinum Flag is a very impressive achievement and highlights the enthusiasm and commitment that Queensferry CP has towards sustainable development.

"The dedication of the Eco-Committee over many years has been inspirational.

"I'd like to congratulate and thank all of the pupils and staff involved for their hard work!"