WIREDGOV

Knight: give young people a voice - guidance looks at how schools can get pupils to participate

DEPARTMENT FOR CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES News Release (2008/0084) issued by The Government News Network on 7 May 2008

New advice on how to get young people involved in their school and learn important citizenship skills, for example through 'buddying' younger pupils and encouraging them to study or improve behaviour was published today, announced Schools Minister Jim Knight.

The revised guidance looks at best practice from schools and local authorities across the country who have involved students in decisions which affect them, resulting in a positive impact on local schools and communities. It also provides advice on the principles and practice that support such involvement.

Promoting citizenship is an important part of a school's role, and behaviour and attendance can improve when pupils' opinions are taken into account.

The guidance highlights:

* Young people forums, or school councils where pupils can represent the views of their peers;

* Consultations which take into account issues facing pupils, or gauging their opinion on decisions which will affect the school;

* Peer mentoring, where young people are paired up with peers, to support them and give advice. For example 'buddying' schemes where older children help younger pupils with basic skills like reading. They could also be trained to help mediate disagreements between peers - intervening in quarrels or bullying.

Minister for Schools Jim Knight said:

"Giving young people a voice in decisions that affect them has a positive impact on the school environment and the local community.

"As we set out in the Children's Plan, our aim is for all young people to want and be able to participate and take responsible action. Young people are citizens who can make a valuable contribution to their school and community.

"This revised guidance, which reflects the excellent work already underway in many schools, promotes best practice in giving all young people the chance to make their views and opinions heard."

Professor Geoff Whitty, Director of the Institute of Education and author of the report, said:

"We hope all schools will involve young people in the decisions that affect them. The updated guidance provides real life examples of how to do this, ensuring that young people are supported in making a positive contribution to their school and local community."

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. This guidance is an updated version of Working together: giving children and young people a say (2004).

2. The guidance is issued by the Secretary of State under Section 176 of the Education Act 2002. The Law requires local authorities and schools to have regard to any guidance given by the Secretary of State (in relation to England) or the National Assembly for Wales (in relation to Wales) about consultation with pupils in connection with the taking of decisions which affect them.

3. See also G. Whitty, E. Wisby: (2007) Real Decision Making? School Councils in Action Institute of Education, University of London

http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=productdetails&PageMode=publications&ProductId=DCSF-00410-2008&

PUBLIC ENQUIRIES:0870 000 2288
info@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk

INTERNET ADDRESS :http://www.dcsf.gov.uk

YOUTUBE
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/findoutmore
http://uk.youtube.com/dcsf

If you would like to receive email notification of new press notices in the subjects of your choice, please click on 'register' on our site:
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk, 'Latest News'.