Northern Ireland: Commissioner sets out plan for school councils

The schools will meet at the second Democra-School conference next Tuesday (6 February). At the first conference, in March last year, more than 120 young people from England and Northern Ireland discussed how to set up school councils and how effective they could be, after research showed that young people were not involved in decisions being taken in their school.

Patricia Lewsley, Commissioner for Children and Young People, said: "The main message is to support young people to take responsibility in their own schools. We know that democracy in schools leads to a reduction in bullying and graffiti, and to young people taking pride in their school." Guidance papers will be sent to all primary and secondary schools in the region, with information on how to set up a school council, developing a constitution, funding and elections.