Agenda item

This is the sixth year the Primary and Secondary Parliaments have taken place. They give children and young people from across B&NES the valuable opportunity to meet and debate a chosen theme, and present their workshop discussions.

The Strategic Commissioning Officer introduced this item to the Panel. She explained that this is the sixth year the Primary and Secondary Parliaments have taken place. She said that they give children and young people from across B&NES the valuable opportunity to meet and debate a chosen theme, and present their workshop discussions. She informed the Panel that the broad focus for both Parliaments was about being healthy, both physically and mentally.

She stated that the theme links with the bi annual School Health Education Unit (SHEU) Health and Wellbeing survey undertaken by schools. The Secondary Parliament ‘Health and Equality’ was held at Hayesfield Academy in February and the Primary Parliament ‘Feel Good, Live Well’ was held at Somerdale Conference Centre in June.

She said that the Parliaments provide an opportunity for engagement with a wide range of children and young people, help to inform possible commissioning intentions and identify future priorities for the Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP).

Hannah Powell, MYP for B&NES addressed the Panel to talk about both Parliament events.

She informed the Panel that 35 schools and 157 students took part.

Primary Parliament

‘Feel Good, Live Well’ – Health and Equalities

·  Little things make a BIG difference KS1

·  Food Glorious Food

·  Don’t Worry Be Happy

·  Challenging Discrimination

She said that she was so impressed with how mature the pupils were throughout the whole day especially when discussing discrimination which included the topics of sexual orientation and being transgender.

Secondary Parliament

Health and Equality

·  Dealing with Discrimination

·  Gender and Mental Health

·  Sugar Smart

·  Wellbeing

The pupils discussed topics such as gender neutral school uniforms and toilets within Dealing with Discrimination and sleep, diet and exercise within Wellbeing.

Parliaments - What are the benefits?

·  Students feel confident in their abilities to create change

·  Enables discussion between schools creating a feeling of community for B&NES

·  Highlights the importance of E-teams and school councils

·  Leadership opportunities

·  Ideas can be shared on how schools tackle issues

·  Raises awareness on issues that go unmentioned in schools

·  Starts important conversations for Primary schools - eg Mental Health, but in an age appropriate manner

My Experience

When I was in Year 3 at Newbridge Primary school I attended a Primary Parliament day. I remember speaking about the importance of Art Walls and Adventure trails to my peers, and how pleased I was when everyone clapped. I was very shy at school, as I had just moved to Bath the year before, and this day made me feel really special, and allowed me to return to my Primary School with a renewed sense of confidence. At the next school council election, I put myself forward and got to work with other students to create Newbridge’s own ‘Adventure Trail’.

Hannah said that she was obviously aware of current funding issues but asked Panel members to do what they could to enable the Parliament Days to continue as they are so important to schools and pupils across the Council.

Pupils from St Michaels, Twerton E – Team addressed the Panel. They spoke of how they hosted the event and did presentations during the day. They explained that in their workshops they discussed the topics of being sugar smart and bullying.

The Chair thanked them all for attending on behalf of the Panel and said that she felt the days were important events.

Councillor Peter Turner asked what changes they would like to see in the future.

Hannah Powell replied that she would like more opportunities for Young People to be involved in politics, a boost to be given to the apprenticeships programme and a review of university tuition fees as she felt they are an outrage.

She added that she would like to see Local Governments enable more pupils to explore and develop skills within Music, Drama and Art.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked how Councillors can encourage more schools to attend.

The Strategic Commissioning Officer replied that they should promote how important the days are to the young people and pupils that attend them.

Councillor Sally Davis commented that the Panel should give its support to resourcing future Parliament Days.

The Panel RESOLVED to:

i)  Note the reports from the Primary and Young Parliaments 2018 held in academic year 2017/2018.

ii)  Support the resourcing of future Parliament Days.