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
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