Chailey Heritage School

The Chailey Heritage School Council is made up of two representatives from each department. Elections generally take place during November and candidates from each Department put their names forward for election; they display posters about themselves throughout the school. Each Department holds its own election day.

The chosen candidates are presented to the school and Vice-Chair of the Council to take up office in the New Year. The Vice-Chair is someone chosen by the Councillors who is about to step down. This would be someone who has served on the Council for a year and appreciates the work and effort that is required of a good Councillor. Their role for the next year will be to support the new Council and carry out extra duties on behalf of the Chailey Heritage School. 

In November 2011 all departments hosted the council elections and as usual there was a huge response from young people eager to be voted on to the council. 

In the Pre School and Primary Department Keelie and Craig were elected.

Craig's election promises: More iPad time Longer lunch breaks All staff in fancy dress

In the Secondary Department Natasha and Sam were elected.

Natasha's election promise: 'To get more magazines in to read and to have a talking corner'

Sam's election promise: 'To get more Mini Cheddars in school for all to enjoy'

In the 16+ Department Molly and Timothy were elected.

Molly's election promise: 'To change the school dinners'

Tim's election promise: 'To get things done and to listen'

2010/2011 was another busy year for the School Council, which was represented by Catherine (16+), Harry (16+), Sam (Secondary), Bradley (Secondary), Leisha (PSP) and Ellisha (PSP). The School Council started a project to introduce some pets in to school. During her visit in the Summer Term HRH the Duchess of Gloucester started the fund raising efforts for this project and School Council members organised a stall on Celebration Day in July to boost the funds. After some debate and consideration it was decided that it would be nice to have a duck house on the pond by the residential bungalows. Some ducks visited the pond during the summer and a duck house would protect them from predators should they wish to take up residence. The money raised was put towards the cost of a duck house and the School Council wrote to inform HRH the Duchess of Gloucester of this. The Duchess of Gloucester replied to say she looks forward to viewing the duck house on her next visit. 

On 4th March 2011 Chailey Heritage School hosted it's first School Council Network meeting for Specialist Schools. This was arranged through the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust who are an independent, not-for-profit membership organisation dedicated to raising levels of achievement in secondary education. They have a membership of over 5,600 schools and organisations and they are a registered charity. School Council representatives from four schools attended the meeting: Clifton Hill School, St Joseph's Specialist School and College, St Nicholas' School and Walton Leigh School. The aims of the meeting were to share best practice in student voice and leadership and develop student voice in schools. Each school gave a five minute talk on how their own School Council is run. Chailey Councillors have been invited to visit Clifton Hill School in the future and an outing is planned for next term.

"Pupils have fun at school and thoroughly enjoy being there. Their behaviour is
exemplary and they contribute very well to the school and wider communities insofar as they are able. For instance, pupils represent their classmates on the school council, support each other around the school, and become involved with local and national charity events. Their social and moral development is excellent."        (Ofsted Report - September 2009)

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