feature: Haringey launches Student Voice charter
12 December 2007
A charter giving Haringey students a greater say in the running of their schools has been officially signed.
The 20-point charter was signed by Haringey Council, schools and Haringey Youth Council on behalf of young people in the borough.
Cllr Liz Santry, cabinet member for children and young people, said:
“We are keen to make sure that the views of young people are heard by people who make decisions which affect their lives – whether it’s their school or the council.
“This charter shows our commitment to helping young people play a more active role in the borough.”
Adam Jogee, co-leader of the Haringey Youth Council, said:
“It’s important that young people know they can play a part in key decisions.
“The charter is just one of the ways we are helping young people have a stronger voice about life in the borough. The Youth Council is determined that this charter should be more than a piece of paper.”
The Charter sets out new rules for representative school councils to take part in school and college decision-making, with adequate resources, training and support, and the right for young people’s representatives to be heard when the council and other agencies make decisions affecting their lives.
From the Charter
- All students have the right to a voice in the way their school or college operates.
- Student leaders can attend Governing Body meetings and be represented by at least one associate governor.
- Student leaders will be invited to contribute to Leadership Team meetings on a periodic basis.
- Student leaders will have regular opportunities to feed back ideas about key issues affecting the school to the wider student body and to school management.
- Students will be regularly informed, with reasons, of actions taken or not taken as a result of their views and participation.
- School students will have the opportunity to review the quality of teaching and learning through observation, surveys and questionnaires.
- The School Council/student leaders will be involved in the appointment of staff.
- The School Council will be consulted and have a say in all important decisions affecting the school community.
- School students will have an opportunity to review and input into key school policies.
- The school will recognize students’ positive contributions and celebrate their achievements.
For a copy of the full charter please see www.haringey.gov.uk/youthcouncil or contact Mike Davis, 020 8489 2228, mike.davis@haringey.gov.uk.
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