Led by Sustainability Lead and KS1 teacher Jane Newman, the school’s dedicated Eco Team were invited to tour the Houses of Parliament and speak directly with MPs.
We spoke to Jane Newman, a KS1 teacher and Sustainability Lead, and her pupils about the experience.
Why was Oak Cottage Primary School invited on a trip to Parliament?
‘Oak Cottage Primary School was invited to the Houses of Parliament as a direct result of the impressive work carried out by our Eco Team as part of our journey to achieve the Plastics Mark. As part of this project, our pupils wrote to MPs and businesses to ask how they were working to reduce plastic waste and encourage better recycling practices.
Our local MP, Saqib Bhatti, responded to the Eco Team’s letter and was so impressed by their thoughtful questions and commitment to sustainability that he asked to visit the school in person.’
Can you tell us what happened during the school visit?
During his visit, he met with the Eco Team to discuss plastics, recycling, and the wide range of environmental initiatives we lead at Oak Cottage. He also delivered a whole-school assembly, celebrating our efforts and encouraging pupils to continue their environmental leadership.
Following this visit — and recognising the passion and hard work of our pupils — Mr. Bhatti extended a special invitation to Oak Cottage Primary School to visit the Houses of Parliament. The trip was a wonderful opportunity for the children to see how their voices can make a real impact and to understand more about how decisions are made at a national level.’
What is the importance of sustainability and the environment for Oak Cottage Primary School?
‘Sustainability and the environment are extremely important to Oak Cottage Primary School. We have taken a proactive and ambitious approach to climate responsibility, and it is something embedded in the culture of our school community… At Oak Cottage, we believe that caring for our planet is part of preparing children for the future, and we are proud of the progress we are making as a community.’
What plan does Oak Cottage Primary School have to become more sustainable?
‘We introduced our climate action plan in 2024, making us one of the first schools to put a formal, structured sustainability plan in place. Since then, our commitment has only strengthened.
We have an active Eco Team made up of pupils from year 1 to year 6, who help shape and drive our initiatives, alongside a dedicated Sustainability Lead who coordinates projects and monitors progress across the school. Together, they ensure that environmental awareness is part of everyday school life.’
Can you tell us a little about what you’ve achieved so far?
Our efforts are already making a measurable difference — we successfully cut our carbon emissions by 25% within the first year of implementing our climate action plan.
Some of the key areas we are continuing to develop include:
- Increasing biodiversity across our school grounds
- Reducing electricity use through energy-efficient practices and equipment
- Lowering water consumption with improved monitoring and conservation strategies
- Expanding recycling and waste-reduction initiatives
- Embedding sustainability into classroom learning and whole-school activities, with visiting speakers and workshops as extra
Oak Cottage’s Climate Action Advisor Kumari applauded the work that Jane Newman and the Eco Team have done, saying ‘Jane is very hands-on and, to be honest, hasn’t needed much input from me beyond gentle nudges and ideas for their climate action plan. We supported her in getting the plan off the ground, but she largely drives the work herself.’
In the past year, Oak Cottage has been awarded the Npower grant to enhance its nature area, got certified as a Plastic Free School, and achieved Greener Schools Award Levels 1, 2, 3, and Level 4. These efforts, as detailed in the pupils’ letters to MPs about plastic waste and recycling, led to the invitation to Parliament. A few members of their Eco Team shared their thoughts on the experience with us:
Do you think it is important for local MPs to take an active interest in what schools in their constituency are doing?
Mila, Year 6 – ‘Yes, I do think it is very important. We are third in the country for recycling electricals. We are big on eco and have won awards. MPs can then take our point of views forward to the houses of parliament.’
Vania, Year 6 – ‘We are the future, so it is really important that they get our points of view.’
Zaydan, Year 6 – ‘We are really invested in eco at our school, so MPs need to see what we are doing and we could influence and encourage others.’
Meesha, Year 4 – “It is really important as we’ve recycled and are helping eco-friendly charities like Wecan, so we are making a big impact on our planet.’
What was your reaction to being invited to Parliament?
Mila, Year 6 – ‘I was really surprised and proud and pleased to be selected to meet the person who is in charge of the town we live in.’
Zaydan, Year 6 – ‘I was so pleased to have the opportunity to go because not many schools are invited to go.’
Vania, Year 6 – ‘I was excited and proud because our school got invited. Other schools pay to go and visit, I was privileged to meet an MP.’
Meesha, Year 4 – ‘I was surprised, it is a big responsibility to go and meet someone who is a Member of Parliament and speaking to them is a great honour.’
Feeling inspired?
Let’s Go Zero is proud to have supported this dedicated school and celebrates the recognition of their efforts to create a more sustainable school and community.
If you’re feeling inspired, register to receive support from a Climate Action Advisor – whether you’re just beginning your sustainability journey or already leading the way like Oak Cottage.
