Involving children and young people
In 2004, based on the consultation Working together: Giving children and young people a say,
the DfES produced participation guidance for school
governing bodies and local education authorities to encourage the involvement
of children and young people in decision-making processes in their schools.
The key principles and aims underpinning the participation guidance are to:
-
uphold children's rights
-
enhance democratic processes
-
fulfill legal responsibilities
-
promote children's protection
-
improve services
-
enhance children's skills
-
improve decision making
-
empower/enhance self-esteem.
The invitation to participate in decisions about their own education prepares young people to influence the life of their community and to make informed choices and actions in local and national elections. An article by education website Futurelab asks 'How can we support young people to feel part of and able to influence society?', concluding that apathy is not a problem and that encouragement to engage is the answer. Here are some resources for showing children and young people how to shape the world around them.
My school, my say — participation
The Phoenix Education Trust promotes democratic education where
pupils share power to make decisions about all aspects of their education
with teachers, governors and other adults involved in the school community.
Also see the DCSF's participation guidance.
Supporting children's rights
The Children's Commissioner gives a national voice to all
children and young people, especially the disadvantaged and vulnerable, and
helps to uphold children's rights.
Committed to the community
Promoting active learning for active citizenship, the website Together we can
helps young people and adults to change their environment, just as the independent
charity v has allowed young people to build on their interests, develop
themselves, make a difference to their community and be awarded a certificate
in recognition of participation and achievement.
Preparing to vote
A study carried out by the Institute for Public Policy
Research explored the challenges that local authorities may face when seeking
to involve young people in local governance. The following sites contain
guidance and information on the democratic process.
-
DirectgovKids is an online resource that helps children understand the world around them and their role within it in a fun and interactive way. Online activities and educational games for 5— to 11-year-olds cover topics including children's rights and responsibilities, voting and democracy.
-
The UK Youth Parliament has over 300 elected representatives between the age of 11 and 18 who are listened to by local and national government, providers of services for young people and other agencies who have an interest in the views and needs of young people.
-
You've Got the Power has been developed by the Parliamentary Education Unit to support the citizenship/PSE/PSD/PSHE/politics strand of the curricula for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and has been designed to help students (both primary and secondary) understand the work, role and relevance of Parliament.
-
The Citizenship Foundation is an independent charity which aims to empower individuals to engage in the wider community through education about the law, democracy and society.
Last updated: 20 October 2009
