Gedling MP Vernon Coaker this week met with a coalition of kids who have been learning about democracy by holding their own elections at school during a special Parliament Week.
Mr Coaker visited Phoenix Infant School to meet with pupils who had been newly elected as Members of the School Parliament and award them with their Parliament Badge. He then also enjoyed a question and answer session with the newly-elected pupils.
Pupils aged from four up to seven years-old have been elected and will provide a voice for all children at the school.
The members of school parliament have different responsibilities including the curriculum, trips, playground equipment and school dinners. Their role is to capture the views and opinions of their classmates and to then meet with teachers including the head teacher and to then vote on any changes and issues being proposed.
Mr Coaker said: “It was fantastic to visit the school and meet their newly-elected Members of Parliament. It is an amazing project which teaches the children about democracy, raises their confidence and self-esteem. It also promotes determination and commitment and encourages all pupils to have an active role in their school life and education.
“They are a wonderful group of children and I am sure they will all do an excellent job as Members of Parliament for the Phoenix Infant and Nursery School’
Head teacher of the Phoenix Infant and Nursery school Lisa Harper said: “This is the third year of the Phoenix Parliament and it gives the children real opportunities to develop early skills in speaking and listening, making decisions, understanding simple budgets, working as a team and understanding the views of others.
“This year we are focussing on working with the children to support the school in gaining an Eco-Schools Green Flag award as well as many other exciting projects.”
Great of our MP to visit. I hope thiese kids get into democracy and start to make a difference in the future.
Lovely story. A great MP.