As we continue our journey through the new academic year, we're thrilled to share another remarkable success story from Riverside Primary School in Hereford. After completing their first year with the Smart School Councils programme, the school has experienced a wave of positive change and engagement. Kelly Jones, Year 4 Class Teacher and School Councils Lead Teacher, has shared their inspiring journey and the impact the Smart School Councils programme has had on their school community.

A Year of Transformation

Riverside Primary School in Hereford, with over 600 pupils, embarked on their Smart School Councils journey last year, and the results have been nothing short of outstanding. Before Smart School Councils, the traditional school council model struggled to effectively capture every child's voice. The programme has revolutionised this approach, creating a vibrant atmosphere where students are proactive, confident, and empowered to make a difference.

The introduction of Smart School Councils has transformed the school environment, fostering a culture where students feel genuinely heard and valued. Kelly highlights the success of class meetings, which provide a platform for every class to discuss school matters, reflect on changes, and hear about actions taken based on their feedback. This inclusive approach has led to tangible improvements, including the implementation of a salad bar at lunch and the purchase of new playground equipment.

Here are three highlights of how the Smart School Councils programme has made a difference at Riverside Primary School:

1. Enhanced Student Engagement and Empowerment
Riverside Primary School has experienced a notable transformation in student engagement and empowerment since implementing the Smart School Councils programme. The shift from a traditional school council model to Smart School Councils has invigorated students, encouraging them to proactively seek solutions and make meaningful changes. Initiatives such as introducing a salad bar at lunch and acquiring new playground equipment demonstrate the students’ increased confidence and capability to drive positive change.

2. Increased Visibility and Inclusivity
The Smart School Councils programme has significantly improved the visibility and inclusivity of the school council. Class meetings have become a key platform where every student can voice their opinions, discuss school matters, and reflect on changes. This structure ensures that all students feel heard and valued, fostering a sense of ownership over their school environment and personal development. The emphasis on class meetings has led to a stronger connection between students and their school council.

3. Effective Communication Team Selection and Management
The school has successfully navigated the challenge of selecting and managing its communication team. Initially, a diverse group of candidates was selected to ensure representation and confidence among the students. The current communication team’s success highlights the programme’s effectiveness in empowering all students to excel in their roles. Moving forward, the school plans to refine their approach by considering additional strategies for selecting communication team members, ensuring continued success in the upcoming academic year.

Looking Ahead

As Riverside Primary School moves into the next academic year, Kelly is keen to expand their Smart School Councils network. They are eager to connect with other member schools in their area to share experiences, and ideas, and foster a larger community. Kelly is interested in exploring possibilities for collaboration through fun events or debates, enhancing the sense of community among local schools.

Advice for Other Schools

Kelly's experience with Smart School Councils has been incredibly positive, and she is enthusiastic about recommending the programme to other schools. She describes Smart School Councils as exceptionally well-thought-out, ensuring that every child has a voice without adding to teachers' workloads. The programme’s ease of implementation and its impact on personal development and school engagement make it a valuable addition to any school.

A Warm Thank You

A warm thanks to Kelly Jones and the team at Riverside Primary School for sharing their journey and successes with us. Their commitment to student voice and engagement is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing how their plans for the new year unfold and are excited about the potential for increased collaboration with other Smart School Councils schools.

Here’s to another year of growth, learning, and continued success with Smart School Councils!

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