At Highfields Primary Academy, we use Votes for Schools to help pupils understand the world around them, develop their voice, and take part in meaningful discussion and democratic decision-making.

Votes for Schools supports our wider curriculum intent by developing confident, respectful pupils who can articulate their views, listen carefully to others, and engage thoughtfully with real-life issues. It plays a key role in our provision for PSHE, RSE, British Values, oracy, SMSC, and pupil voice.

Votes for Schools is delivered regularly across the school and adapted to suit different ages and stages. Each session provides pupils with the opportunity to explore topical and relevant questions in a safe, structured environment.

Lessons typically include:

Teachers carefully scaffold discussions so that all pupils can participate, ensuring contributions are valued and discussions remain inclusive and age-appropriate.

Through Votes for Schools, pupils at Highfields Primary Academy explore key PSHE and RSHE themes such as relationships, wellbeing, online safety, equality, and responsibility. Sessions encourage critical thinking and help pupils understand how their choices and actions affect themselves and others.

Regular discussion and voting give pupils a practical understanding of democracy, developing respect for different viewpoints and the confidence to express their own opinions respectfully. Clear expectations promote individual liberty alongside responsibility and positive behaviour.

Safeguarding underpins all sessions. Discussions are carefully planned and led by staff, with clear ground rules ensuring pupils feel safe, supported, and included. Pupils are never required to share personal experiences, and staff remain alert to any safeguarding concerns.

Through Votes for Schools, pupils at Highfields Primary Academy develop:

Pupils learn that their voice matters and that discussion, debate, and voting are important tools for participation in school life and society.