STAFF and children got to see just how many pounds were literally flying out of their school windows.

Longfields Primary School in Bicester was one of the first in the county to use special thermal imaging equipment to show where heat is being lost from its buildings.

The energy survey is part of an initiative by Oxfordshire County Council to reduce energy bills in the county’s schools, which is about £6m a year.

The school is one of 97 due to be surveyed this year as part of a drive to improve the energy efficiency of council-owned buildings.

Oxfordshire County Council estimate £3m could be saved over the next 15 years if energy saving measures were introduced in schools.

A surveyor visited the school, in Longfields, on Wednesday to use the imager to show hidden problems. Red areas showed where energy was escaping.

Head teacher Paul Hill said: “The imager was like a glorified magnifying glass. It’s used inside classrooms to work out what areas we’re losing energy.

“We have some doors that need a bit of attention and some single glazed windows showing up not as efficient as the doubled glazed windows.”

The school, built in the early 1970s, will get a full report detailing problem areas and also what measures it can take to make buildings more energy efficient.

Mr Hill said there was a council fund the school could borrow from to make alterations for such things as putting draught excluders on doors and on double glazing.

Thermal imaging is not the only way Longfields pupils have been helping to save the environment.

Recycling bins are now dotted around the school and its “eco council” make spot checks in classrooms to ensure equipment and lights are turned off when not in use.

Michael Waine, council cabinet member for schools, said: “In addition to reducing waste and saving money, these ongoing efforts are helping to educate and encourage pupils to take action.

“This is vitally important as they will be the generations most affected by the changing climate.”

Ian Hudspeth, cabinet member for growth and infrastructure added: “There is a big challenge in front of us, and Oxfordshire County Council wants to make sure schools are supported to take the right steps to reduce their carbon emissions.”