What does a Children's Council do?

Let little voices be heard!

One of our key values here at Your Coop Little Pioneers is democracy. That’s why it’s important that we make sure that every child has their say, can celebrate each other’s differences, and ensure they care for the world around them and their local community.

Our Children’s Council is a great way to include children in decisions that affect their day-to-day experiences at nursery. It gives them a platform to share their thoughts, opinions, and ideas, and encourages them to contribute and take part in shaping their environment! 

So, what happens at a Children’s Council Meeting?

The Children’s Council usually meets up once a month or so. Each term, a group of children are nominated to be representatives for each class or room. During the meetings, the group discusses lots of different topics such as how areas of the room are being used, outdoor play options, which meals are being served, room boundaries, and even the practitioners themselves.

Children gather around a table with pens, paper, and some milk and biscuits to help keep them comfortable and focused! They’re encouraged to take notes during the meeting, which makes them feel involved in the process.

To help make discussions easier and more engaging for our Little Pioneers, props like photos of the spaces, meals, and practitioners can be used. Visual aids like happy or sad faces also help children express their feelings, or figure out how they might be feeling about a particular topic.

Keeping Parents in the Loop

After the meeting, minutes are typed up and displayed for parents and carers to see. This is a great way for parents to also be involved and to know what their children have been discussing. These notes also contribute to a “You Said, We Did” poster, which shows what actions have been taken - all based on the children’s feedback!

These regular meetings empower children to be active participants in their learning environment, and help to create a space that better reflects their needs and preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to teach them about teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving!

Click to find out more about our core values and how we are nurturing a culture of equality.