Pupils at Parochial C of E Primary School in Ashton are taking big steps to help the planet.
Thanks to funding from the Greater Manchester Eco Grants for Schools programme, they have launched an inspiring new sustainability project.
The grant, which gives schools up to £2,000, supports pupil-led ideas that focus on healthy food, cutting waste, and caring for the environment. The school’s plan to rehome ex-battery hens was a perfect match.
Working closely with the school caretaker, members of the school’s ‘Eco Club’ helped design and create a large, safe chicken run. It can house up to eight hens and is big enough for children to step inside, take part in hands-on activities, and help the hens settle happily into their new home.
To make sure the hens are well cared for, pupils applied to become the school’s first-ever ‘chicken monitors.’ These pupils take on important daily jobs, such as cleaning the coop and checking that the hens are healthy and comfortable. After an exciting vote, the children proudly named their new coop Peckingham Palace.
One pupil said, “I can’t wait to spend time with the hens. Our first three chickens came to us quite skinny, but we made them happy very quickly.”
Headteacher Louise Thompson said, “Having ex-battery hens at school gives children real-life experience of food production, reducing waste, caring for animals, and building responsibility.”
Now that the hens have settled in and started laying eggs for the school’s community food pantry, the project shows how small actions can make a big difference, from the playground to the wider community.
