Because when children are heard, children grow - and we grow with them.

 

Growing Together through listening, understanding and acting on what children tell us

At Aston Rowant, we believe that every child has a voice that deserves to be heard. Pupil Voice is the way we ensure children play an active role in shaping their school experience. It reflects our commitment to our Christian vision that every child is known, valued and believed in, and our GROWTH values guide the way pupils speak, listen and work together.

Pupil Voice is much more than a survey or a meeting - it is a core part of our culture and a strong indicator of personal development, leadership and safeguarding.

What is Pupil Voice?

Pupil Voice is the structured way we gather children’s views about school life. It includes:

• School Council discussions
• Pupil Voice surveys (EYFS, KS1 and KS2)
• Learning walks with children
• Class discussions and circle times
• Feedback from worship leaders, House Captains and pupil leaders
• Opportunities for pupils to make suggestions, influence decisions and help improve the school

Why Pupil Voice Matters

Pupil Voice is important because:

• It strengthens safeguarding

Children feel safer when they know adults listen to them. Pupil Voice helps us understand how safe children feel, who they would go to for help, and what we can improve.

• It improves personal development

It gives pupils responsibility, develops leadership skills and helps them contribute positively to their community - all things Ofsted expect schools to demonstrate.

• It improves the quality of education

Listening to pupils helps us refine the curriculum, improve teaching approaches and make learning more engaging, relevant and enjoyable.

• It builds a culture of respect and belonging

Children learn that their ideas matter. They see themselves as partners in the life of the school - aligned with our motto Growing Together.

Why We Do It at Aston Rowant

Pupil Voice is central to who we are. It reflects our:

• Christian ethos
• Commitment to well-being and inclusion
• Belief that children flourish when they feel involved and empowered
• Desire to create a school where every experience helps pupils grow academically, socially and spiritually

We want pupils to leave Aston Rowant confident that their opinions matter and that they know how to use their voice positively.

How We Gather Pupil Voice

We collect pupil voice in a range of meaningful ways:

• Whole-school surveys

EYFS, KS1 and KS2 complete age-appropriate questionnaires about learning, safety, behaviour and school life.

• School Council

Representatives meet regularly, bring ideas from their classmates and work on projects that improve the school.

• Pupil discussions & learning walks

Leaders talk to children about their learning and experiences. Pupils help evaluate subjects, outdoor learning, worship, enrichment and school events.

• Leadership roles

Children lead worship, act as House Captains, Playground Leaders, Reading Buddies, Librarians and Eco Warriors - providing another route for pupil opinion and feedback.

• Day-to-day dialogue

Staff listen to children informally during lessons, playtimes and group sessions such as PSHE and collective worship.

How We Use Pupil Voice

Once we gather children’s views, we make sure they lead to action. Examples include:

• Improved outdoor spaces based on pupil suggestions — including new gym equipment, improvements to EYFS play areas and playground developments.
• Changes to playtime routines and equipment based on children’s feedback.
• Curriculum enrichment, such as visitors, clubs and theme weeks, shaped by what pupils enjoy most.
• Safeguarding improvements, including clearer posters, learning about trusted adults, and feedback informing site security developments.
• Developing worship, with pupils helping select songs, themes and prayers.
• Planning for future improvements, such as library development and school council projects.

Most importantly, children can see the impact of their contributions.

Our School Council Says:

• “Our ideas help make the school even better.”
• “We listen to everyone in our class.”
• “Growing Together means we all help each other.”

In Summary

Pupil Voice at Aston Rowant is active, meaningful and deeply embedded in school life. It helps shape the decisions we make, drives improvements, strengthens safeguarding, nurtures leadership and supports our vision of a school where every child thrives.

Because when children are heard, children grow - and we grow with them.