Oakfield School
Student Council

Student Council

School Council

An effective school council structures, which involves the whole school, offer huge benefits to both the community and the individual – here are just a few:

  • Pupil councils provide a basis for active learning of important life skills, such as speaking and listening skills, teamwork, emotional literacy, problem-solving, moral reasoning skills, self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Pupil council experiences provide a dynamic foundation for learning about citizenship.
  • Young people and children acquire skills which help them to become resilient to negative experiences.
  • School and class councils enable pupils to have a voice and to understand that their opinions count.

What does an effective school council look like?

All pupils have the opportunity to be involved in the School Council:

  • It is pupil-led
  • It is part of the school’s ethos and practice
  • It deals with the core issues of the school
  • It makes a difference

What are the benefits of an effective school council?

  • Improved relationships between pupils
  • Pupils have pride in themselves and their school
  • Pleasant and equitable school ethos
  • Improved physical environment
  • Responsible behaviour

Please note to enable this to happen, there has to be full and active support from the Headteacher and the SLT.  Integration of pupil participation into the decision-making structures of the school.  This should include all aspects of school life including teaching and learning, not just the physical environment and organising events.

Our council progress so far:

  • The school council is established and run every two weeks by Lee Thompson, Head of Curriculum. One pupil from each class attends; minutes are forwarded to the SLT to be actioned.
  • Pupils actively participate in interviewing prospective employees joining the school and Residential Provision.
  • School representatives attend international school council meetings at WISE.

What is next for the School Council:

  • To develop the established work that has been undertaken to embed the school council, within the school and develop into the Residential Provision.
  • To embed a student council within the residential setting. Ensure that minutes are taken and that the students see actions regarding their council.
  • To participate in joint ventures with the school’s council. Lee Thompson to attend residential, Sarah Cockerline to attend school – allows for consistency in approach

Link to: School Council (meeting minutes) – 08.02.2024

Link to: School Council Minutes Archive

Voice & Influence Newsletter.

CYPFS Voice and Influence Newsletter – May 2019