WE ARE NOW PART OF Smart School Councils.

Smart School Councils is an award-winning charity with a mission to help every young person lead change in their world through democracy. They support member schools with a whole school programme of democracy. It uses digital tools to involve every voice from the age of 5. This fantastic new venture will allow us to boosts school democracy participation, every child in school is now part of our SCHOOL COUNCIL and each and everyone one of them has a VOICE!

As you can see from our class meeting results above, the majority of children in school have found the return to school after lockdown either exciting or enjoyable. Children discussed their opinions and viewpoints in groups (4-6 children) and each group had one vote. Lots of really positive discussions in all classes. We recognise that the return to school has been harder for some children than others and those that have found school challenging or overwhelming understand the importance of asking for help, talking to a trusted adult and doing things that they enjoy and make them happy.

School Council is an opportunity for children to have a 'pupil voice'. It promotes children's right to express an opinion and be included in decisions that involve and affect them. 

Miss Wilson & Class teachers support the Communications Team to run each meeting.

Children decide at the beginning of the year, if they would like to be part of the School Council and attend regular meetings. The class then votes for who they would like to be their class representative (now called 'The Communications Team). Year 6 have further responsibilities; Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary roles and responsibilities.

Now all School Council members (whole school) help to find and make improvements to the school environment, develop whole-school polices, decide which charities Upperby Primary School will support and plan and carry out fundraising events. A key aspect of Smart School Councils is that the Communications Team help to create Actions Teams that take responsibility for the 'Actions' in order to make progress. A fantastic way to get more children involved in things that are important to them!

Each meeting is recorded through our online 'Class Meeting Tool'. Teachers make sure that this time is given value and importance. 

There are many benefits of having an active School Council. We hope our School Council helps to improve relationships between staff and pupils, and pupils and pupils. We aim to promote a more inclusive school where everyone is encouraged and supported to contribute, boosting positive behaviour and working together for the benefit of Upperby Primary School and all of its pupils. Furthermore, having an increased opportunity to develop personal, social and communication skills needed for adulthood. 

All schools  must promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.