We believe that children and young people need to be active participants in their own education and to feel that their opinions will be heard. At Nottingham Academy, we therefore seek ways to listen to the views of our pupils and involve them in decision-making so that they are engaged as partners in the life of the school. We believe that this will not only make a positive contribution to the school environment and ethos but also broaden the experiences and wider development of our young people.

While there is no statutory duty to followr the DfE guidance on listening and involving children and young people it is our obligation to seek and listen to the voice of our pupils. This obligation is underpinned by general principles of the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), - articles 2, 3, 6 and, in particular, article 12 which states the following:

“1. Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.

2. For this purpose, the child shall, in particular, be provided the opportunity to be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings affecting the child, either directly, or through a representative or an appropriate body, in a manner consistent with the procedural rules of national law.”

Nottingham Academy have embraced these recommendations and provide opportunities for our children and young people to share their views and have a part to play in shaping and developing the future of our Academy.

The benefits of involving children and young people in decision making are twofold:

• It encourages pupils to become active participants in a democratic society - by holding youth parliaments and school councils which develop skills such as cooperation and communication and encourage them to take responsibility.
• It contributes to achievement and attainment - young people involved in participative work benefit in a range of different ways. Increased confidence, self-respect, competence and an improved sense of responsibility have all been reported by young people who contribute in school. Schools also report increased motivation and engagement with learning. There is a range of benefits in greater participation. For pupils these include increased self-confidence and feelings of empowerment, and a greater sense of responsibility.

We believe that behaviour has the potential to improve with pupils taking greater responsibility for their own behaviour, as well as improved learning. In particular, it is expected that a Pupil Manifesto will outline a vision to enable pupils to take full ownership of the Respect Values and pupil obligations and to positive improve our Academy culture.

We also believe that the whole staff have an obligation to understand the benefits of pupil participation, be clear in their role in terms of supporting pupil participation and be kept well informed about issues being discussed and proposals put forward by the Pupil Parliament.

One of the principle means by which pupil voice activity will be progressed in the Academy is by the use of the Pupil Parliament. We believe that a Pupil Parliament will enhance and influence positive peer leadership and to take a mutual responsibility to cultivate and uphold the Respect Values throughout the academy.

Pupil Parliament will:

• Be a positive forum
• Provide an opportunity for all pupils to be heard
• Provide a forum for the leadership of the Academy to listen to the pupil’s opinions
• Aid communication throughout the Academy
• Build the pupils confidence and self-esteem
• Encourage the pupils to be active citizens
• Provide all pupils with a democratic model

The Pupil Parliament will also be used to enable us to be more accountable to each other as we aim to improve our Academy community.

From September 2018, The Pupil Parliament will supersede all current student council models and become an elected body of pupils with specific roles and responsibilities. The Pupil Parliament will organise the recruitment of their own members, using a voting system that involves all pupils of the academy, ensuring representation of all year groups. Every class elects at least one Tutor Councillor. Pupil Parliament membership will consist of two members of staff, one of which will be a senior leader, A Parliamentary chair of the meeting, the Tutor Councillors, an Environment Minister, Community Minister, Obligations Minister and elected First Ministers and Deputies.

Every tutor group should hold a class council on a half termly basis. This is an opportunity for Tutor councillors to discuss the Pupil Parliament agenda, and to gather feedback. Pupil Parliament will be scheduled on the academy calendar and take place once a half term.

At each meeting, those present and absent are noted, and apologies read out. Matters arising from the previous meeting are discussed, followed by business for the meeting in accordance with the agenda. A list of main agenda items is set at the beginning of each term. Agendas are to be planned by the Chair, First Ministers and one member of staff. Minutes are recorded and circulated to staff and members of the Pupil Parliament to share with their peers.

Members of the Pupil Parliament will take part in staff recruitment by forming a pupil panel. Members of the Pupil Parliament, but primarily the First Ministers and deputies, may also represent the Academy at community meetings and at meetings of the Leadership Team and Governing Body where appropriate.