At St Mary’s much of our ethos is rooted in the idea of ‘partnership built on strong resilient relationships’. We believe that our children should play a realistic role in the decision making process. With the formation of a School Council, the children have an opportunity to share their views and play an active role in school improvements.

Representatives are elected from Reception to Year 4 meet regularly to discuss how they can help improve our school. Classmates share concerns or ideas with their class representatives for discussion at the meeting.

As issues are discussed children learn:
•   To take part in discussions.
•   To develop the skills of chairing meetings and taking notes.
•   To gain confidence to make decisions and carry them out.
•   To contribute actively to the success of their school.

The school council reflects the importance placed on developing British Values by enabling the children to learn through the experience of democracy and the expression of individual opinions.

Recent discussions have led to school improvements, the provision of sound and audio equipment for the hall, a ‘Buddies’ system for break times and the development of features of this web site. Currently we are discussing the implementation of playground games and the use of playground equipment.

A case study: Creating Colin’s Corner. (2019-2020)

The school council wanted to do something in the memory of Mr Colin Guthrie a school governor who sadly passed away in 2019. Mr Guthrie loved to come into school and talk to the children as well as read to them. The children asked the Head teacher if they could create somewhere they could do exactly that, talk, read and chill out. They came up with the idea of an outdoor reading and relaxing area which was run by the children and allowed them to enjoy their breaktimes and lunches. With funds raised by the families Colin’s Corner was built and is now a hub of activities during break and lunches, supporting the children with opportunities for friendship and reading.

A case study: Outdoor Play and Sports. (2022-2023)

The school council wanted more to do at playtimes and clubs for their sport, as they discussed the importance of physical well-being and its link to mental well-being. The children worked with Mr Hilton to look at different ideas and even helped the designers with ideas of what they wanted included. The final decisions were made by a vote in the classes from a short-list of options. When the MUGA and climbing area was built, the school council opened the new amenities with a whole school party!