A brief summary of how an effective school council can help you meet each of the Every Child Matters outcomes.

Great for when you’re writing your SEF or creating your School Development Plan.

Created by School Councils UK.

Use the ‘More’ button to print or download (‘save’) this resource.
Every Chlid Matters and School Councils Summary

School Councils and Every Child Matters School Councils UK Briefing We believe that if every child can have their voice heard, understood and responded to, they will become active participants in their communities. School Councils UK has welcomed the Every Child Matters priorities, and has seen first hand how school councils’ work within the categories improves children’s lives. A more detailed version of this table is available on www.schoolcouncils.org EVERY CHILD MATTERS AND SCHOOL COUNCILS OUTCOMES Being Healthy Developing confidence, communication skills, and being happier as a result of being involved with school and class councils helps children develop emotional resilience. Students also help make their peers healthier by improving food in the dining room and promoting sports activities and competitions. Staying Safe Effective school councils engender peer leadership, openness and awareness. These qualities make schools safer and happier places. Ex-Schools minister Stephen Twigg stated that the most effective anti-bullying schemes were led by students. Enjoying and Achieving By taking the opportunity to become involved in the school community, essential life skills such as listening, diplomacy, compromise and communication are developed. Effective participation structures in school help raise attainment by improving the learning environment. Through school councils, children’s belief in their ability Making a to make a difference develops. Positive Contribution Life skills learnt through active participation enable students to contribute to their community and wider society. Economic Well Being Many school councils are given budgets to manage. The responsibility of running a budget helps children develop economic and financial awareness. School Councils UK 108-110 Camden High Street, London NW1 0LU 0845 456 9428 [email protected] www.schoolcouncils.org © School Councils UK 2006. Please feel free to reproduce this resource with acknowledgement (non-commercial use only).