The school council endeavours to give the children at Whitefriars Primary School a ‘voice’. They are given the opportunity to share their opinions and ideas on things that matter to them. All children will be involved by contributing their suggestions. These suggestions will be discussed at regular school council meetings. The School Councillors will feedback from these meetings to their class. Minutes of meetings are available on the School Council Notice Board.  

The School Council also has a budget which they are able to manage and spend appropriately.

Why Have a School Council?

The idea of a school council at this age is to encourage children to develop their confidence and responsibility as a ‘citizen’ of the school. They will be encouraged to recognise what they like and dislike, what is fair and unfair and what is right and wrong. They will take part in debates on issues that are of particular interest to the pupils in the school. The children will begin to gain a greater insight into being part of a group, class, school, family and community. They will investigate how to make choices that improve their health and well-being. A very important aspect of school council meetings is being able to listen to other people and respect their views, beliefs and feelings. They will gain the skills needed to work co-operatively with others.

Who Can Be a Councillor?

Any child can become a school councillor. A child from each year group (from Year 1 and up) is elected by the pupils.

The Benefits of a School Council

We aim to give our children the opportunity to become more independent and responsible. They will begin to realise that they can play an active role in the life of the school. They will begin to realise that their ideas and views will contribute to changes that occur at their school. The children will benefit greatly in all aspects of their personal and social development.

What are the council currently involved in?

The school council has joined with other schools in the area who work together “to make Rushden and Higham Ferrers a better place to live by working together as a team.” Last academic year all the schools took part in promoting a wide range of careers as well as challenging gender stereotypes in choosing careers.  At our school, we hosted a wide variety of activities and welcomed many parents in to assesmblies to talk about their chosen careers.

This year, the council is looking at improving playtimes - making the activities more adventurous and fun - as well as focusing on healthy foods or snacks.

Comments from past councillors

"I enjoy being a school councillor because I get to choose what playground equipment we have."
"It is fun! I ask a lot of questions. I like helping raise money.”
"I love being a school councillor because you get to help Mrs Stewart make decisions!"
“We work with other schools to help make Rushden better.”
"I love being a school councillor because it's fun and we get to organise everything, like playtimes."
"I like being a school councillor because I like giving my ideas to the school."