What does Ofsted say about school councils? The Smart School Council approach

According to Ofsted, school councils can be an effective way to promote student voice and engage students in school life. However, it is important that the school council is representative of the student body and that all students have an equal opportunity to contribute.

This is where the Smart School Council approach comes in. By creating a fully inclusive school council, schools can ensure that every student has a voice and that their opinions and ideas are heard. This approach encourages schools to think beyond the traditional model of a teacher-led council, and instead, empower students to take the lead.

The Smart School Council approach also helps schools to meet Ofsted requirements by providing a clear framework for best practices. This includes having clear terms of reference, holding regular meetings, and ensuring that the school council is actively involved in decision-making processes.

It helps every child get their voice heard and be part of a democratic structure, directly addressing the British Values element of the Ofsted framework.

In addition, the Smart School Council approach places a strong emphasis on student-led projects and initiatives, which can help to promote active citizenship and develop important skills such as leadership and teamwork.

Overall, school councils are an important part of promoting student voice in schools. By implementing the Smart School Council approach and following best practices, schools can create a truly representative and inclusive council that meets Ofsted requirements and empowers students to take an active role in their education.

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What do school councils actually do?

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Good Practice on a School Council: Building a more inclusive model