Celebrating Pupil Voice Through the Waterton Children’s Parliament

At Waterton Academy Trust, the 2023-24 academic year has seen a continued commitment to amplifying the voices of our pupils through the work of the Children’s Parliament. Pupil participation remains central to how decisions are made across the trust, ensuring that the children’s perspectives are not only heard but actively shape the future of the trust. This is something our leadership holds in the highest regard, with pupil voice considered an essential part of school improvement and trust-wide initiatives.

Leora Cruddas, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Schools Trusts, perfectly encapsulated this sentiment, saying, we should be working as a trust to build a system “that holds trust on behalf of children.” Waterton Academy Trust has wholeheartedly embraced this vision by ensuring that children have a seat at the table, contributing to decisions that affect their education and wider school community. This has been evident in the extensive work undertaken by the Children’s Parliament over the past year.

Empowering Children to Make a Difference

The Children’s Parliament has spearheaded several meaningful initiatives this year, not only engaging pupils in decision-making but also fostering a sense of community and responsibility. A highlight of their year has been their outstanding fundraising efforts, raising a total of £6,472.10 for four charities chosen by the children. These included:

  • The Children’s Hospital Charity – £1,618.00
  • Riding for the Disabled in Ackworth – £1,618.00
  • Wakefield Hospice – £1,618.00
  • Yorkshire Air Ambulance – £1,618.00

Their dedication to supporting these causes demonstrates the compassion and leadership qualities nurtured within our schools.

Shaping the Trust’s Future

Beyond fundraising, the Children’s Parliament has also played a pivotal role in shaping the identity and direction of the trust. They led a Mascot Design Competition, helping to craft the future mascot of Waterton Academy Trust, a symbol that will represent the collective spirit and creativity of our pupils.

In collaboration with leaders across the trust, the Parliament selected 10 key passport activities for the Water10 initiative, which will define essential experiences for pupils during their time with us. Their input ensured that the activities were relevant, exciting, and reflective of the values our schools hold dear.

Additionally, representatives from the Parliament had the unique opportunity to meet with civil servants from the Levelling Up Partnerships, where they shared their experiences as Wakefield children and discussed disparities between their own opportunities and those of their peers in the South. This engagement with policymakers is a testament to the trust’s belief in empowering children to advocate for themselves and their communities.

Celebrating Achievements

The Children’s Parliament also contributed to the Trust’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Day, taking part in a sponsored bounce that united pupils across all our schools in a day of fun and reflection on the trust’s remarkable journey over the last decade.

Not stopping there, they engaged directly with trust leadership at a catering presentation, where the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Speaker of the Children’s Parliament provided critical feedback on new catering options, ensuring pupil preferences are at the heart of school meal decisions.

Showcasing Talent and Sporting Prowess

The Children’s Parliament has also championed creativity and sports through their involvement in events such as Waterton’s Got Talent, where pupils showcased their artistic and performance talents, and the annual MATlympics, where students from all our schools came together to compete and celebrate their sporting achievements.

Pupil Voice at the Heart of Our Trust

At Waterton Academy Trust, we believe in putting children at the center of everything we do. The work of the Children’s Parliament in 2023-24 has been a shining example of this commitment, ensuring that the voices of our pupils not only inform but drive the direction of the trust. By creating opportunities for pupils to contribute, participate, and lead, we are working towards a system that truly “holds trust on behalf of children.”

We look forward to seeing how these young leaders continue to shape the future of Waterton Academy Trust.

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