What is Pupil Voice and why is it important?
Pupil voice in schools means a whole-school commitment to listening to the views, wishes and experiences of all children and young people. It means placing value on what children and young people tell school staff about their experiences.
Children and young people need to be provided with meaningful opportunities to share their experiences, views and hopes about their school and to make meaningful choices throughout their school day.
Pupils need to know that it is safe and that it is important for them to express their views on what happens at school. They need to know that what they communicate is valued and will be heard and considered.
Schools with a strong commitment to pupil voice have reported many positive outcomes. These include better behaviour, better relationships across the whole-school community, and improving progress and attendance.