SCHOOL COUNCIL
At Long Lane we have an active and independent school council made of pupils from Years 2–6 and we value the views of our pupils as much as we do parents and staff
Pupil Voice
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We believe pupils benefit hugely from active participation within the school community. We teach them that their views are important and empower them to influence and inform decisions that affect theirs and others' lives.
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Some of the benefits of involving children and young people in decision-making are that:
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it encourages pupils to become active participants in a democratic society – developing skills such as co-operation and communication and encourage them to take responsibility. For more information on British Values click here.
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it contributes to achievement and attainment - young people involved in participative work benefit in a range of different ways. Increased confidence, self-respect, competence and an improved sense of responsibility have all been reported by young people who contribute in school. This can also increase motivation and engagement within learning.
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It supports a 'growth mindset' and delivers opportunity to problem solve, work with others, take risks and be upstanders. We actively teach pupils the skills they need to learn effectively. For more information on our 'Secrets of Success' programme click here.
Representatives from Year 2 to Year 6
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We are really proud to be able to provide our children with opportunities to add value to the school community through pupil voice where they can support each other and make a positive difference to their own school. Through this process pupils across the school act as representatives to their classes, gathering pupil voice, choosing areas for improvement and development and working with the Headteacher and other stakeholders to realise these.​​
What is a School Council?
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A school council represents the views of all pupils. It gives children the opportunity to make their voices heard and feel part of the whole school community.
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Our School Council aims to encourage our children to:
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Develop confidence and responsibility and make the most of their abilities.
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Prepare them to play an active role as citizens within a community.
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Develop healthy, safer lifestyles.
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Develop good relationships and respect the differences between people.
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Have a 'voice' and to share their opinions and ideas with others.
Why do we have a School Council?
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We value the benefits of operating a School Council. The School Council represents the whole school. We feel they benefit the whole community and as a school we operate as a community. Through our School Council and class council work, it is hoped that we can develop a balance and wholeness, helping to make our community more harmonious to live in. Our School Council work will enable pupils with positive attitudes to exert a positive influence. Everyone will benefit from the work of the School Council.​
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Our School Council aims to ensure all children have:​
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A safe, happy and fair learning environment
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A form to voice their concerns and act upon them
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A structured opportunity to learn problem-solving skills
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An opportunity to take an active role in the organisation of the school
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An opportunity to experience a democratic process​​
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Our School Council should encourage pupils to develop:​
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A sense of ownership over policy and practice
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A consensus over school issues such as behaviour and lunchtimes
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A responsibility towards the school community and environment​​​
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Our School Council should give pupils the experience of:​
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Planning, organising and monitoring small projects
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Developing speaking and listening skills
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Debating skills
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Medication and negotiating skills
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Basic budgeting and managing money
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Our School Council aims to prepare our pupils for citizenship by teaching them about roles, rights and responsibilities within the school system and the wider community.​​
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The Election Process
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School Councillors are elected each year. If children wish to be considered for the School Council, they must either write a speech, create a ppt, poster or letter; stating why they would like to be a councillor, what skills they believe they have and what improvements they would make. Children present (in whichever way they are able to), where candidates put forward their reasons for wanting to be a school councillor.
Two candidates will be elected from each class in Key stage 1 and Key stage 2.​
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Organisation
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Two representatives from each Key Stage 1 class (Year 1 and Year 2)
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Two representatives from each Key Stage 2 class (Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6)
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Link Teacher
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Meetings will take place 3–4 times per half term
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An agenda is to be organised by the Link Teacher
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Minutes will be recorded by the children and displayed on the School Council board
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Running the School Council Meetings
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The School Council will vote for a chair (supported by the Link Teacher). This is the person who makes sure everyone gets a turn to speak and encourages all members to contribute. In addition, the School Council will ensure someone takes notes during the meeting and the notes should assist the feedback classes receive after the meeting.
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At the end of the School Council’s meeting, everyone needs to know what they have to do next. The chair needs to make sure members know what to do and what they have to say to their class.
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Raising an issue or improvement at School Council Meetings
Children in each class are actively encouraged to discuss issues, concerns and improvement suggestions during PSHE lessons, class Circle Times or by leaving a note in the class Worry Box. If appropriate, the class School Councillors can present the concerns or improvements to the School Council at the next meeting.
Feedback will be provided from each School Council Meeting through minutes from the meetings and feedback from the Link Teacher and sometimes announcements in the Friday assemblies (run by Year 6 prefects).
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Giving Feedback to Pupils
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Following the School Council Meeting, School Council Members speak to their class to let them know what is going on and tell the class about the issues being discussed and what is happening next. This will encourage more children to contribute to further meetings, share worries and let members know the things which could be done to improve the school. The school will record School Council achievements on the school newsletter as and when appropriate.
