The Provider:

Chilcote Primary School, Birmingham

Chilcote primary school is a large school which serves a mixed catchment area.  It is a two form entry school with an attached Nursery.  There are currently 456 pupils on role.  The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties is average.  Three quarters of the pupils are of white British background.  One quarter of the pupils are of Asian background, mainly Indian and Pakistani, less than ten percent of the pupils qualify for free school meals.

Summary:

Chilcote Primary School uses pupil voice opportunities through its Food Group, School Council, Peer Mediators, school bank and House Captains to maintain high standard of behaviour and achievement as well as meeting other outcomes from the 'Every Child Matters' agenda.  Children have a variety of forums through which they can contribute in order to bring about genuine change and feel a valued citizen of the school.  In 2006 the school was judged to be outstanding with 'Personal Development and Well Being' and 'Care, Guidance and Support' making reference to pupil voice opportunities.

The Aim:

The school has long fostered pupil voice opportunities through a variety of forums which include:  School Council, Circle Time, Food Group, Peer Mediation and house Captains and believes that such opportunities are instrumental in maintaining high attainment and high standards of behaviour.  The school feels very proud of its pupils and believes that its work helps them develop into responsible citizens.

What do you see in the school?

• Well trained Year 6 Peer Mediators who support the staff with maintaining positive behaviour at Lunchtime.
• Competent House Captains who lead assemblies and promote positive behaviour.
• Pupil surveys that evaluate children's feelings about the school
• An active School Council that meets once a week.
• A School Council that has met with councils from other schools across the learning network.
•  Effective class council meetings that feed into the agendas of the school council.
• Weekly Circle Time that supports the schools system of values and deals with relevant issues.
• School Councillors involved in the recruitment of new staff
• Assessment for learning practices embedded throughout the school through comprehensive policies and procedures.
• A comprehensive behaviour management policy and procedure with an assistant Headteacher responsible for pastoral care.
• Key staff involved with Food Group and Council in order to monitor and coach.
• A Food Group that has created changes for the better with school meals through liaison with the school kitchen staff and their line manager.

What difference does it make?

• Children feel valued and that their opinions count.
• Children contribute to the life of the school.
• Children understand the democratic process and how changes can be brought about.
• Children are motivated learners.
• The children are rounded and active citizens and show consideration and care for each other.
• Attainment is high.

From where is evidence collected to prove the Leading Aspect?

• OFSTED report
• Video presentations made by the children
• Policies
• Planning and timetables
• Evidence from a tour of the school
• Display
• Photographs
• PowerPoint presentations made by the pupils
• Newsletters
• Feedback from pupils
• Feedback from staff
• Evidence file

The Verifiers Comment

• Pupils understand how they can contribute in school.
• Pupils know that they can make a difference.
• Good practice is shared with others
• Positive ethos