Shipley CE Primary School Council 

Why do we have a School's Council? 

Our School's Council is an ideal opportunity for our children to get more involved in what happens in their school. The School Council benefits the whole school, children and teachers. It provides opportunities for children to communicate their feelings, make key decisions for school and influence wider decisions. Councillors develop skills such as confidence, communication, organisation and negotiation. 

It is the responsibility of each Councillor to ensure that they express both their own views and the views of all the other children they represent. They know that they are working to make the best decisions that ensure all children, whatever their particular needs or backgrounds, are heard and included in school life. 

Who can be a member of the School's Council? 

We have an active School's Council with two children representing their fellow pupils from Year 3 to Year 6. Each councillor is elected by their classmates at the beginning of the school year after a short presentation explaining why they should be elected. Children in KS1 and EYFS are kept up to date with decisions and discussions by class teachers, who take the class view and feed it back to the school council on their class’ behalf. 

What do we do? 

Members of the Council take part in discussions and votes and also feed back 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 and information following meetings is displayed in the hall on the Council display board. 

Terms of Reference 

The Terms of Reference for School Council Meetings have been agreed as follows: 

• Two pupils from each class from Year 3 to Year 6 will form the School Council. 
• Meetings will be held at least once a half term. 
• Ground rules will be established for meetings. 
• School Councillors must report back to their classes after each meeting. 
• School Councillors must wear their badges and smart school uniform. 
• School Councillors must demonstrate good behaviour at all times and be good role models in school. 
• Consultation must take place between Councillors and their classes before decisions are made. 
• Two agreed main focus points across each school year will be school and charity fundraising.   

Our School Council will be successful if: 

• We have regular meetings. 
• We have good communication. 
• We have discussions that focus on action. 
• We all work together.