be enshrined in the school ethos and have the full support of the
whole school community;
be supported by a structure, used throughout the school in all classes,
which provides all children with the opportunity for participation,
contribution and consultation. Such a structure could be Class Councils
or Circle
Time;
involve councillors in team building and training exercises to help
them work effectively together and to identify meaningful issues and
areas for discussion;
take an active part in school policy making and in influencing the
School Development Plan;
be 'commissioned' by the SMT to research, develop and implement specific
projects, e.g. Fruit Tuck Shops, School Travel Plans, developing the
school prospectus, redesigning the playgrounds;
use a set of indicators, e.g. sustainability indicators, to evaluate
the school's performance according to a number of criteria, devise
action plans and set targets to improve the school's rating;
learn and appreciate how the council structure and procedures are
replicated at local, national and international levels and as such
understand they are part of a wider democratic process;
involve outside partners, e.g. the local council, LA21, local businesses,
community groups and pressure groups;
appreciate that many decisions not only have implications for individuals
in the school community, but also the wider local, national and global
community.
