School Council at Wheatcroft CP School

At Wheatcroft, our motto “Learn and Care” means that every child’s voice matters. The School Council plays a vital role in ensuring pupils have a say in shaping their school, strengthening our community, and living out our values of respect, responsibility and teamwork.

How the Council Works

Each year, every class (excluding Bluebells) elects two representatives to the School Council. Elections are run in a democratic way, with pupils in each class voting for the candidates they wish to represent them. Those with the highest votes represent their class for the year.

The Council meets regularly with Mrs Cattle, our staff representative, to share ideas and discuss whole-school issues. Topics have included:

• Improving the learning environment

• Input into curriculum enrichment

• Pupil perspectives in staff recruitment processes

• Projects that support health, wellbeing and sustainability

• Promoting healthy choices and environmental issues

Through this process, pupils learn about democracy, responsibility and the importance of making decisions that affect the whole school community.

Our Impact

In 2023/24, the School Council led a hugely successful campaign promoting active travel as part of the national Walk to School Week Project. This initiative encouraged healthier lifestyles, reduced traffic at the school gates, and helped families think about sustainability. In 2024/25 the focus was on our school environment and developing our school 'Jubilee' garden. We look forward to continuing this success with new projects this year.

Why Pupil Voice Matters

Research (NFER, 2018; DfE, 2021) shows that when children are involved in decision-making:

• Their sense of belonging and engagement in school increases

• They develop confidence, leadership and communication skills

• Schools benefit from fresh ideas and stronger community links

Our School Council is more than just a group of representatives — it is a way of ensuring that every pupil at Wheatcroft is heard, and that together we shape a school where learning and care go hand in hand.

Our School Councillors for 2024/25 are: