Fairlop Primary School

At Fairlop Primary School, we want the children to have a voice in all aspects of their school life, whether this be decision making, suggesting change, developing the curriculum or wider issues.

Our school council forms an integral part of school life in which all children play a key role in our school development, alongside our Right Respecting Ambassadors. We believe a school council is an excellent way in which to increase participation through teaching young people about democracy, local and global citizenship and accountability.

As a Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) school, our aim is to enact Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which states that ‘Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously.’ The school’s Rights Respecting Ambassadors meet monthly and discuss ways we can support children’s rights within the school environment and beyond.

In our school, pupils are given the opportunity to express their views and make positive contributions towards school life. In each school council meeting, children are taught the skills they need to respect and tolerate the views of others and how to evaluate these views to make effective decisions.

The education system exists for children; ensuring their participation in that system and listening to their experiences helps them make the most of their education.

How we hear the views, feelings and wishes at Fairlop:

• Democratic process for electing the School Council annually (see below).
• Regular School Council meetings, including discussions with school leaders, service providers and Members of Parliaments based on the views of the children gathers in class discussions and from the School Council comment box.
• RRSA ambassadors and steering group to work on school, local and global projects (see below).
• A wide range of pupil roles that children can take on, including:
  • Prefects
  • Eco-warriors
  • Travel Team
  • Playground Buddies
  • Monitors
• Regular opportunities for pupils to give subject specific feedback to subject leaders, senior leaders and external consultants, ensuring all groups of children are represented.
• Children can nominate for weekly RRSA Citizen Awards.
• All children are encouraged and reminded to share their ideas/issues with each other and any school adult and are reminded how they can raise any concerns through assemblies and posters displayed around the school.
• Worry boxes where children can share any concerns.
• Our 'Safety Squad' to enable all children to know which adults they can talk to if they have any concerns or worries.
• All pupils have access to an internal email system where they can email members of staff to share ideas and any concerns.
• Suggesting charities to fundraise for.
• Evaluating their own work.