Pupil to lead panel for safeguarding board

Elizabeth Wilson, who is studying for her A-levels at Gordano School, is the new head of the body, which aims to give pupils a voice to help shape policies which affect those of school age.

Topics such as mental health and missing children policies have been discussed during the bi-monthly student panel meetings.

A Gordano School spokesman said the body allows the students involved to have an opportunity to make recommendations and affect change within North Somerset Council.

Students are encouraged to compare and contrast their existing school policies in order to create best possible practices for safeguarding issues across the region.

The panel includes representatives from several secondary schools within North Somerset.

Lizzy has been joined by Gordano School head boy William Shelton on the board.

The pair said they have been pleased to be part of the organisation, as it provides them with an opportunity to meet and speak with peers from other North Somerset schools, and to explore some of the skills required to maintain a successful board meeting.

It also allows the team of students to speak with council members, and to provide valuable feedback to North Somerset Council on a range of issues.

Lizzy said it has been good to regularly meet students from other schools and discuss ideas openly.

She said: “It’s been an invigorating experience to chair the safeguarding children’s board.

“I have been delighted to provide leadership to influence and potentially create new policies that could help children across the region.

“The panel of sixth formers this year have been great to get to know, and I’m looking forward to attending the rest of the board meetings coming up over the next few months.”

The North Somerset Safeguarding Children’s Board seeks to keep youngsters safe and has been involved in a number of campaigns in recent months, including hate crime awareness week, world suicide prevention day and anti-bullying week.