1

Consultation with pupils

2

Contents

• Why consult?

• What do we want to achieve?

• Methods of consultation

• What do we do with the data received?

• How does the data inform new activities?

3

Why Consult?• Find out what pupils really want to do.

• Pupils feel part of the process.

• They have ownership of the activities.

• They feel listened to and that their opinions matter.

• Ensure a successful programme.

• More likely to take part if they chose them.

• Clubs are full of pupils who really want to be there.

4

What do we want to achieve?

• A programme of activities that meets the needs and interests of our pupils.

• To know what activities could be used to effectively engage with target groups.

• An ethos of a confident ‘pupil voice’ – pupils are able to share honest opinions and ideas with staff, and know that they are listened to.

5

Methods of consultation

• A series of questions given to pupils to complete during a lesson (PSHE / tutor time).

• Questions could include things like:

1. What activities would you like to do?

2. Why do you go to club?

3. Is there a good range to choose from?

4. What do you think makes a club really good?

Paper Survey

6

Methods of consultation

• Use a snap survey through the school website or an external website.

• Pupils tick boxes and write down their ideas.

• Results are collated automatically for easy analysis.

• Easy for pupils to complete & submit.

Online Survey

7

Methods of consultation

• The school website could be set up for pupils to write their ideas and feedback in a designated area.

• This area could be monitored by a member of staff.

Website Blog

8

Methods of consultation

• A cardboard box with a slot in the top.

• It could be positioned outside the school office or somewhere easily accessible to all pupils.

• Slips of paper and a pen should be positioned nearby.

• It should be bright and obvious what it is.

• Pupils should be reminded to use it.

Suggestion Box

9

Methods of consultation

• Parents should also be consulted.

• Include a space in a feedback form for pupils and a space for parents to write their ideas.

• Parents could talk with their children about their ideas for clubs and feed back to school via the form.

Letters Home

10

Methods of consultation

• Place large posters in communal spaces for pupils to write their ideas.

• Hang a pen or pencil from string to the poster.

• Write instructions at the top and a couple of examples.

• Leave them up for a couple of weeks.

Scribble Posters / Graffiti Boards

11

Methods of consultation

• Have a regular item on the agenda to talk about clubs.

• This could be feedback on existing clubs, ideas for new clubs, etc.

• They could discuss methods of consultation and undertake some of the methods described here.

School Council

12

Methods of consultation

• Pupils are invited to attend a lunchtime discussion for anyone interested in expressing their view and opinions on clubs and activities.

• It could be a tutor group activity where pupils are split into small groups to discuss clubs and feed back to whole class.

Focus groups

13

Methods of consultation

• A member of staff or designated pupils (perhaps school council members) could talk to pupils in the playground at break and lunchtimes.

• Take clipboards and write ideas down.

• If a small group of pupils have an idea for a club, they could rally to find others who are interested, which would make a club feasible to set up.

Playground chats

14

What do we do with the data received?

• Look for trends and popular activities.

• Collate information to show what is popular in certain year group and target groups.

• Consider the possibility of duplication due to the variety of consultation methods.

• Sift what is possible and what is not.

• Put together a list of likely activities.

15

How does the data inform new activities?

• Match popular activities with what is on offer.

• Research possibilities of activities not currently on offer.

• Talk with neighbouring schools for combining pupils to make clubs feasible.

• Delve deeper to clarify specific activity choices from general feedback – i.e. dance (street dance, salsa, hip-hop, classic, tap, etc?)