More than 80 primary school children, representing their schools in the Flying High Partnership’s Children’s Parliament, held a meeting at Nottingham’s Council House to share their plans and exchange new ideas on the jointly agreed ‘Children’s Characteristics’.
Democratic representation across 38 schools
The pupils making up the Children’s Parliament represent 38 schools from across the multi-academy trust, and each child is a democratically elected representative of their school. The purpose of the Parliament is to represent and promote the voices of pupils within their own schools and across other schools in the trust. Children participate in meetings, improve school practices, and plan new initiatives on behalf of their school peers.
The focus of their visit to Nottingham’s Council House was to explore new ways of implementing the Children’s Characteristics into school life. These characteristics include aspiration, kindness, effective communication, confidence, pride, curiosity, responsibility, resilience, and problem-solving.
Collaborative meetings in historic setting
Collaborative meetings were held in both the ballroom and dining room of the historic Council House, and children ended their day by presenting to an assembled panel from the central team of their multi-academy trust. Many pupils highlighted how their schools were supporting the initiative and shared effective and innovative approaches to putting these principles and new ideas into practice.
Many of those characteristics were evident in the children’s presentations at the event, said Chris Wheatley OBE, CEO of the Flying High Partnership. “Our visit to Nottingham’s Council House was a fantastic opportunity for children from across our partnership to come together, share ideas, and have their voices heard in such an inspiring setting. The confidence and maturity they showed in representing their peers was truly impressive, and their work will help create a lasting, meaningful legacy, driven by children, for children.”
Guest speakers and pupil reactions
Alongside children’s presentations, pupils also heard from guest speakers who explained the role and history of Nottingham’s Council House. The Honorary Alderman Brian Grocock spoke to children about his time as a councillor, Sheriff of Nottingham, and Lord Mayor, and Tom Huggins spoke about his roles as Deputy Lord Lieutenant and Nottingham’s Official Town Crier.
Bilsthorpe Flying High pupils also attended the event. Debsie, Year 5, said: “The hall was really big, and we were told that people danced in there. The speakers also said that they had wanted to put the mirrors in there, so it looked even bigger than it is! It was a great opportunity and experience.”
Fellow pupil Charlotte, Year 5, added: “The council house is a big building and if you weren’t with someone who knew their way around, you would probably get lost! We presented in front of CEO Mr Wheatley and Deputy CEO Mr Goodman. I would recommend the experience to others, as we were able to visit a place we had never been before.”
Jayden, a Year 5 pupil at Rivendell Flying High Academy in Stoke Bardolph, Burton Joyce, said: “When I walked through the Council House I felt like a King! I have never had the opportunity to go somewhere like it before, and I enjoyed how grand it was. Having the chance to share my ideas made me feel recognised and meeting all of the children from the other schools made me feel like I was a part of an even bigger community.”
