Rationale

'Involving pupils in real issues through class and school councils helps them to develop important life-skills that promote positive mental health and social welfare; emotional literacy, critical and moral reasoning, self-esteem, self-awareness, communication skills, relationship skills and assertiveness.'

'School councils enable pupils to make a positive contribution to the school environment and ethos.'

Development of The Fairmeadows Foundation Primary School Council

Organisation

• Mr Boulter and Mrs Wain presented the concept of the School Council to the children in September 2023 and they agreed to support the proposal.
• The School Council comprises of 1 representative from every class except Early Years.
• A secret ballot was conducted whereby each class voted for their choice of candidate. 
• Each Teacher advised prospective candidates about the role and responsibilities involved in being a member of the School Council, ensuring clarity of expectations.
• Equality of opportunity was ensured during the election process.
• Once elected, the members of the School Council were introduced to the rest of the school during an official launch.
• A School Council display board has been set up outside the hall, photographs of representatives are also displayed outside their classrooms. Meeting agendas and minutes are kept in a folder on the display board as are the school ethos and the aims of the Council (which provide the foundation on which the Council is based).
• A School Council Board is also up in the staff room.

Meetings

• Meetings take place twice each half term in the Nurture room supported by Mr Boulter and Mrs Wain.
• A different Chairperson and Secretary are nominated by the council members for each meeting (as agreed by all members of the School Council).
  • The constitution and aims were agreed during the first meeting as was the code of conduct (unanimously agreed to be the Dimond Rules and the School Values).
  • Minutes from meetings are available on the School Council Display Board.

Feeding back School Council Outcomes

• Mr Boulter will feed back minutes from meetings to SLT and to Teachers during staff meetings so that suggestions can be discussed and outcomes agreed upon.
• Each class is provided with  minutes and each class representative is invited to provide feedback of these to their class with the support of the class teacher.
• Results to go in the 'pupil voice' section in the newsletter for parents and will have its own section on the school website.

The wider role of members of The School Council

• School Councillors may be requested to attend a meeting with the HT/AH/SLT/Link Governor.
• They may also be invited to show visitors around the school and to share their views.
• The Chairperson may be requested to write a letter or email the HT or others who might help with a proposal or resolution