School Council

In May 2022, each year group had the opportunity to vote for their School Council representative. These children are the voice of the Diseworth pupils as well as being good role models and ambassadors for our school.

Why do we have a school council?

The School’s Council is an ideal opportunity for pupils to get more involved in the way the school is run; it is, after all, their school. We respect and value the thoughts and opinions of our children and whilst it may not always be possible or practical to do everything they suggest, the children do have some fantastic ideas and are able to accept why some ideas may not work well for the school community.

The School Council benefits the whole school, pupils and teachers, because it provides opportunities for pupils to communicate their feelings as well as influence decisions that are made within school.

School Councillors also benefit personally as their role will help them to develop skills such as:

1) Confidence, communication and negotiation

2) Empowerment and ability to make a change

3) Responsibility and commitment

4) Leadership and teamwork

It is the responsibility of each Councillor to ensure that they express both their own views and the views of all the other pupils they represent.

What will our School Councillors do?

Members of the Council take part in discussions and votes and also feedback any relevant information to their class. At times they are requested to ask their class for ideas or take class votes relating to discussions by the Council.

Members meet regularly with Miss King to discuss ways in which they feel they can influence the school for the better. This may be ideas to improve playtimes, after school clubs, lessons or what charities they want to support through fund-raising activities. They will also organise events that will engage and strengthen links with the local community.

Our newly formed School Council will be meeting at the beginning of the Autumn Term to devise their first Action Plan and they can’t wait to get going, as they are already taking their responsibilities seriously and all have pledged to:

‘’Give up my own time to go to meetings and help to sort out problems’’

‘’Take other’s ideas and try to make them happen’’

‘’Be responsible, caring and to listen to others’’

‘’Be kind and help others if they are hurt or worried’’

In the Summer term the Council met and actioned their first four ideas:

• Divide children into four House teams – achieved
• Give House teams a name – achieved
• Revise and improve the reward/sanction system – achieved
• Create a School Council notice/display board – achieved

They also asked their classmates for further suggestions in readiness for the Autumn term, here are just a few:

• To organise more lunchtime activities
• To organise fundraising events for the school and community (local and global)
• Create a Friendship/Buddy Bench in the playground
• Create a ‘Quiet’ space in the playground
• Create a herb/vegetable/sensory garden