Pupils at Newnham Croft with their Solar Schools cake

This time last month we were like parents at a school gate, sending our youngest off into the big wide world. The Solar Schools website went live and our pilot schools got the ball rolling on their fundraising journeys.

The weather might be cooling down but the project is definitely heating up and the first month has been a busy one! Thankfully, the initial response has been incredible! We like to think the BBC know a good idea when they see one so we were pretty chuffed with their coverage of our launch night ("the best night EVER" according to one attending pupil!).

But, after the fanfare of the big unveil, the hard work kicks in and it's time to get down to the serious business of hitting those ambitious targets.

And it's already paying off. In just a few weeks, the eight schools raised nearly £9,000 from parents, ex-pupils, local businesses and other well-wishers.

Each school has their own plan and style but so far we've seen everything from generous local Tandoori houses, and Solar Schools cakes, to film nights and ingenious textile recycling schemes. Whatever they are doing, it seems to be working – people love getting involved and donating!

This is a chance to work with and build bonds in the community which is good for us and the kids.
- Andy Becalick, landlord of The Moderation pub in Reading.

We were more than happy to sponsor the purchase of the solar panels for New Christ Church Primary School
- Michael Ayerst, Director of printing company VGL in Reading

So what next? Well the challenge now is two-fold. Continue supporting our pilot schools and learning together with them while also putting things in place for a national roll out in 2012. You can have a look here at our video application for a pot of funding for the national roll out. Hit the heart-shaped 'Like' button on the video to show your support!

If you haven't already (where have you been?!)  then head over to www.solarschools.org.uk to see how our schools are getting on and donate to personalise your own little piece of a solar roof!