Pupil Senate

Leader: Mrs E Burrows

Vision:

At Milton Primary Academy, our ‘pupil senate’ is more than a traditional ‘school council’.

Originally formed in 2018 as our Pupil Parliament, before changing its name in 2023, our Pupil Senate aims to ensure that our children develop an awareness of democracy and how our country is run. 

Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) states that children should have a say in decisions that affect their lives and our Pupil Senate ensures just that; it provides a meaningful platform for pupils to voice their opinions and have their views heard and considered.

Pupil Senate Members:

Our Pupil Senate members for 2023-24 will be shared following the elections scheduled to take place during September 2023.

The Work Of Our Pupil Senate:

At Milton Primary Academy, the academic year begins for our senate with a whole-school election.  All children have the opportunity to stand for election and are encouraged to write a manifesto to be read to their class before the vote takes place. 

Following this, a ballot takes place in our school hall, as if it were a real polling station, with the successful candidates announced during the next whole school assembly. 

Once elected, our senate holds fortnightly meetings to discuss points of interest or concern, and also engages in community projects to make a difference beyond our school.

With different roles being undertaken, the children oversee their own meetings. These roles include a prime minister, cabinet secretary and chancellor of the exchequer, as well as the thankless task of being ‘speaker of the house’ and ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard!

As part of their role, members of our pupil senate have previously visited the Houses of Commons in London to witness a debate, took part in the Local Democracy Children and Young People’s Conference, and hosted our local MP and several local councillors.