Kids give honest answers in online quiz

From the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, first published Monday 24th Jul 2006.

PUPILS from across East Lancashire are to lift the lid on what they really think of school in a groundbreaking project being introduced in the county.

The project has been developed by e-solutions, a Chorley-based company which provides advice and support to schools and education providers.

The scheme is designed to help shape the way children in the future will be taught by taking on board the views of today's children.

The project has been piloted in Blackburn with Darwen with over 1,100 pupils of all ages from the borough's primary schools quizzed in an online survey on a host of questions ranging from "How safe do you feel in class?" to "What helps you learn new things?".

Responses were as diverse as "My school is a helpful school" to "Assemblies could be more exciting".

Participating schools are given the feedback so they know where they are going right and where they need to make changes.

And after successful feedback from the headteachers involved, those behind the survey now plan to extend the project across the county, including schools in Hyndburn, Pendle, Burnley, Rossendale and the Ribble Valley.

Project organiser Julie Gyi confirmed: "We are hoping to expand the project across Lancashire.The great thing about it is it's confidential and that really seems to lend itself with the children."

Among the school leaders impressed with the initiative was Christine Henderson, head at Ashleigh Primary School, Darwen.

She said: "We are keen to encourage our children to have a say in what happens in our classrooms. This survey enabled all ages and abilities to take part and it was a great way for the quieter pupils to say how they felt."

And Judith Williams, headteacher at Peel Park Primary School, Accrington, said she intends to sign up to the survey.

"We are keen to hear pupils thoughts and concerns and to take action and this survey will help us do this," she said.

Coun Alan Whittaker, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for schools, said he welcomed anything that gave pupils a voice.

He said: "Virtually all of our schools now have a school council and contribute in that way. Some people say children have too much to say but I'm not one of them.

"We can learn from children and they should be encouraged to contribute to life at the school."

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