One of the relevant articles of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) that addresses the principle of participation is Article 12, the right to be heard.
Article 12 says that every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This principle recognises children and young people as actors in their own lives and applies at all times throughout a child’s life.
A School Council provides a meaningful way in which pupils can voice their opinions and have their views taken into account in decisions that impact upon them.
At Honeybourne Primary School, our School Council is a group of children that represents the views of all our pupils. It gives our children the opportunity to have their voices heard and be part of the whole school community. They help to make decisions about school life and organise projects that support learning and development, such as organising charity events, theme days or representing the school at outside events.
We value the opinions of our pupils, and our School Council gives pupils a forum to share these opinions with our School Council teacher representative, Kerry Monks, as well as the Head of School and other members of staff.
This year we are planning a Healthy Eating Day. This links to UNICEF Article 24: Health and Health Services, which states that children have the right to the best possible health and to nutritious food, clean drinking water and information that helps them stay healthy. Through this day, pupils will learn about making healthy food choices, understanding nutrition and developing lifelong healthy habits.