School Council 2019-2020

‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’ Ghandi

At Homelands, we are proud to have pupil representatives from years 1 to 6 that take part in our School Council. These roles are an integral part of our school life and enable every child to have a voice and be involved in decisions about the school that affect them and their peers.  Through School Council, all pupils have the opportunity to raise issues, share ideas and take part in discussions that involve all of their school community in reaching a democratic solution.  Pupils at our school know that this is their school and their thoughts and ideas matter. 

Our School Council 

What is School Council at Homelands? 

• Our School Council is a group of children who meet each week to discuss issues within the school. There are two School Councillors from each class in Key Stage 1 and 2.  

Why do we have a Children’s School Council? 

• To improve the school according to the children's point of view. 
• To make sure each class has a platform to voice their opinions. 
• To discuss and raise issues. 
• To continue to improve our school and its community.

How do I become a Children’s School Councillor? 

• At the beginning of each year, children can nominate themselves.
• Nominees present to their class the reasons why they would make a good councillor.
• Each class votes for their councillor at a special election day, taking their turns going to the polling station to cast their votes in a secret ballot – just like the real thing! 

Additional Rules 

• You can only be a councillor once from Year 1 - Year 6.
• You can only be a councillor once during your time at our school.

What we do in the Meetings. 

Each councillor meets with their class to discuss ideas about changes and improvements to the school. The issues are then raised in the meetings and councillors discuss how to move forward with these ideas. They carry out formal and informal surveys and votes within their classes so that each class's opinion is represented. These opinions are then fed back to the council and the opinion of the majority is taken forward. This may involve them speaking with the Head Teacher or other members of the senior leadership team and governing bodies. At times, School Councillors may be required to speak to members of external organisations who are working with our school to achieve the Council’s aims and objectives.

‘Young children need genuine opportunities to experience active citizenship. Taking real decisions through co-operation and teamwork provide the most influential experiences...’ Annabelle Dixon1 Member of Crick Committee (Education for Citizenship) (Primary) 1997–98