Today Joyce Watson AM for Mid and West Wales praised the hard work of school councils across the region.
Joyce said:
"I recently met with the impressive young representatives from Gorslas school council in Carmarthenshire and Cynlais school council in Powys. The work they do in the smooth running of their school communities is excellent.
"We hear so much about youth problems, yet the people I met were an example to us all. They are today's citizens and tomorrow's future."
"School councils are part of a wider movement which is directed towards building a strong culture of democracy and citizenship in young people in Wales.
"School Councils across the region give pupils an excellent opportunity to become more involved in the decision making in their schools and feel valued. They also give children an important and real life experience of citizenship.
"I am proud of the innovation and energy this Labour-led Government has shown in promoting a strong voice for children.
"From establishing the first Children's Commission to promoting rights for all young people aged 11-25 through 'Extending Entitlement' and encouraging young people to find their own voice through Local Youth Forums, we are setting the agenda for developing children's rights and responsibilities in Wales."
Schools must:
- Hold at least 6 meetings a year;
- Arrange for elections to take place through secret ballots;
- Try to make sure that pupils of different ages, backgrounds and abilities are represented on the school council;
- Respond to any matter which the school council refers to the Head teacher or the Governing Body and;
- Arrange for school council meetings to be properly supervised.
All schools must have a school council in place. School Councils can offer schools in Mid and West Wales many benefits including developing life skills, improving behaviour and attainment, reducing exclusions and tackling stress and vulnerability.
