Primary schools enjoyed a day celebrating pupil voice and action in schools at this year’s Somerset Children’s Parliament competition organised by ITT and Training (part of Somerset Council) and Somerset Youth Parliament.
Once again judges were impressed with the quality of presentations and the impassioned speeches from the children, who spoke confidently on a range of issues in their school and the many ways they are making a difference in their communities.
About Somerset Children’s Parliament
Somerset Children’s Parliament is an annual competition which provides a unique opportunity and real-life platform for children to develop confidence, presentation and oracy skills whilst having their voices heard by local councillors and leaders across the education, business and charity sectors.
Themes explored by schools
- The environment and sustainable lifestyles
- Global school links and bridging generations
- Improving playtimes and sport for all
- Health and well-being
- Celebrating diversity
The whole day was a celebration of children’s imagination, positivity and resilience but what really came across was their compassion and commitment to make a difference to all, to include everyone.
Winning and runner-up schools
- Winners: St George’s Catholic School, Taunton, with the topic ‘celebration not discrimination’
- Winners: Parkfield Primary School, Taunton, with a presentation on ‘looking after our health and well-being’
- Runners-up: Leigh on Mendip School, Radstock, who spoke about ‘accessibility in our school’
- Runners-up: Ashcott Primary School, Bridgwater, who shared plans for ‘developing an outdoor learning space and nature area for children’s well-being’
Children leading change
In every school, hearing about all the positive impacts these child-led projects have had on their schools and local communities was inspiring and testament to endless problem-solving and creative capabilities when given an opportunity in school to have a voice and take a lead on issues concerning them.
Thanks to supporters
Huge thanks to the Somerset Youth Parliament members and the sponsors and donors who generously supported the event too:
- British Solar Renewables
- Carymoor Environmental Trust
- Somerset Wildlife Trust
- Bookwagon
- School Literacy Network
- Brendon Books
Cllr Heather Shearer, Lead Member for Children, Families and Education at Somerset Council, said:
Somerset Children’s Parliament is always a wonderful celebration of young people’s voices, ideas and determination to make a positive difference. I was delighted to attend this year’s event and was hugely impressed by the confidence, creativity and compassion shown by pupils from across Somerset.
The standard of presentations was excellent, and it was inspiring to hear children speak so passionately about the issues that matter to them and their communities, from wellbeing and accessibility to sustainability, inclusion and outdoor learning.
Events like this show just how important it is that children and young people are given opportunities to be heard, to lead change and to build confidence for the future. My congratulations go to all the schools who took part, and my thanks to all the sponsors and supporters who helped make the day such a success.
Find out more
If you’d like to be involved next year or for more information about the event, email SCIL@somerset.gov.uk. ITT and Training also offer various training courses for the children and young people workforce. Find out more by visiting Somerset Centre for Integrated Learning (SCIL) | Support Services for Education.
