The visit was attended by Councillors Laurie Needham and Chris O’Neill, alongside Sue Heyes, Community Fund Officer at Severn Trent, and Nisha Aslam, Stakeholder Engagement Manager. Guests toured the school site to view the two SUDS units that have been installed to help manage surface water and reduce the risk of future flooding at the school. 

What Are SUDS and How They Work 

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, commonly called SuDS, are systems designed to manage rainwater in a way that mimics natural drainage. Instead of immediately sending rainwater into sewers or drains, SuDS slow down and store water, allowing it to soak into the ground or be released slowly back into the drainage network. This approach helps reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and support local wildlife by creating green, biodiverse habitats.  

Sustainable Drainage Systems Installed to Prevent School Flooding 

St Michael and All Angels CE Primary School now has two SUDS units on site, with one located outside Class 2 and the other situated near the EYFS classroom at the rear of the school. These systems were installed after the school experienced severe flooding last year, which caused extensive damage and led to the school being closed for repairs for an extended period of time. 

To help prevent further flooding and improve long-term drainage, Severn Trent Water, working in partnership with the school’s PTFA, provided grant funding to support the installation of the SUDS units. 

Mr Neil Bardsley, Executive Headteacher, said: 

“Following the flooding we experienced last year, it was vital that we found long-term solutions to protect our school and minimise disruption to our children’s learning. The installation of the SUDS units has been invaluable, not only in helping to manage surface water but also in providing fantastic learning opportunities for our pupils. 

Our Eco Warriors have gained hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of biodiversity and environmental responsibility. We are incredibly grateful to Severn Trent and our PTFA for their support and commitment to our school community.” 

Eco Warriors Learn About Biodiversity and Environmental Responsibility 

Pupils played an active role in the project, with the school’s Eco Warriors helping to assemble the SUDS units and taking part in educational sessions with Terry from Bioscapes. During these sessions, children learnt about biodiversity, local wildlife, and the importance of protecting insects and animals within the school environment and the wider local area. 

The children explored how sustainable drainage systems create habitats for wildlife and the wider environmental impact if ecosystems are not cared for. This hands-on learning experience supports the school’s commitment to environmental education and sustainability. 

Ongoing Environmental Learning at St Michael and All Angels CE Primary School 

Going forward, pupils will be responsible for helping to maintain the SUDS units, ensuring the ecosystems remain accessible and viable for local wildlife. This project forms part of St Michael and All Angels CE Primary School’s commitment to giving children new experiences and learning opportunities, while helping them understand how they can protect the environment and support sustainability in their community. 

The school would like to say a huge thank you to Severn Trent Water and the PTFA for arranging the funding and for their continued support in creating a safer, greener school environment for pupils in Rearsby.