Merton first in UK to form primary school Children’s Council

Merton Council has become the first in the country to set up a Children’s Council for primary school pupils.

Children representing schools across the borough will meet once a term and have the opportunity to discuss and consult key councillors and local MPs on issues that affect or concern them and their fellow pupils.

The Children’s Council, made up of 30 pupils from 15 schools in Merton, will be officially launched on Tuesday 24 September and the first meeting will include Roger Casale MP and Merton’s Director of Education, Leisure & Libraries, Sue Evans.

The topics set to be discussed at the first meeting will be graffiti across the borough. It is also hoped that some of the children’s ideas will be considered by the Government’s newly established Children and Young Person’s Advisory Forum.

Councillor Geraldine Stanford, Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: “This is a fantastic scheme and we are very proud to be the first council in the UK to launch a primary school Children’s Council.

“The Children’s Council will enable children to have a say in the work of the council by giving them an opportunity to learn about local democracy by being directly involved in council consultations. This initiative will also support the new Citizenship curriculum in schools.

“It’s also good to see environmental issues, such as graffiti, top of the children’s agenda for discussion. Their interest will hopefully inform other young people across Merton so we have future generations who are more aware and keen to look after the environment.”

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