Church School Council

Church School Council aims:

• Develop confidence, responsibility and make the most of their talents and abilities     
• Prepare them to play an active role as citizens in their local community  
• Feel they are a valuable member of our school community
• To develop and have a “voice” and to share their views and opinions respectfully with others
• Develop healthy, safer lifestyles
• Recognise how they can positively impact the lives of others
• To provide opportunities to flourish
• Develop positive relationships and respect the differences between people

Intent

We value the benefits of operating a Church School Council. The Church School Council represents the whole school.  It enables representatives to have their say in the running of their school. It can provide a meaningful way in which pupils can voice their opinions and have their views considered in decisions which impact upon them. In being part of the Church School Council, they have a greater sense of belonging, become more confident to suggest ideas and viewpoints and develop a greater understanding of the need to work co-operatively with others and the whole school community. Through our Church School Council, it is hoped that we can develop a sense of pride for their school and community and make a real difference locally, nationally and on a global scale.

Our Church School Council aims to ensure our children have:

• An opportunity to experience a democratic process
• A forum to honestly but respectively voice their concerns and act upon them
• A safe, caring and loving school environment
• The opportunity to be courageous
• A structured opportunity to learn problem-solving skills

Our School Council aims to prepare our pupils for citizenship by teaching them about roles, rights and responsibilities within the school system.

Elections:

Class elections will be held at the start of every academic year so that different representatives can put forward their election speeches and presentations as well as developing the full potential of the School Council to complete tasks.  Two candidates will be elected from each year group in each class in KS2 - one male and one female - and one representative from each year group in KS1.

Running the School Council Meetings:

The School Council will vote for a chair from the UKS2 representatives. This is the person who makes sure everyone gets a turn to speak and encourages all members to have the courage 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.

Meeting are held on a monthly basis with Mrs Bramman. During these meetings they will discuss ways in which to improve the school and support the local community. 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.

Giving Feedback to Pupils:

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 in a newsletter at the end of each full term.