Investing in Voice

Investing in Voice is a whole-school Student Voice audit and development programme devised by ESSA and the Phoenix Education Trust in partnership with Place Group. For further information please email Anna.Leatherdale@phoenixeducation.f9.co.uk or phone 01626 873178

Why invest in student voice?

In 2006 the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and the Carnegie UK Trust commissioned research into the impact of student participation in schools and colleges. The research noted a range of positive outcomes, some of the most important were:

• ‘students in more democratic schools were happier and felt more in control of their learning;
• if students gave feedback on teaching, this had the twin effect of teachers' practice improving and students gaining in awareness of the learning process;
• participation enhanced skills of communication and competence as a learner;
• behaviour was improved (although this focused mainly on students rather than teacher)s.'

The Investing in Voice programme provides a school with the opportunity to measure the success of its current student participation activities, identify a shared vision for the future and develop a wide range of student voice initiatives with the support and guidance of an experienced team.

What is investment in voice?

Outline of the programme
The Investing in Voice programme is delivered over five phases. These include:

• Stakeholder preparation
• Introducing the standards and developing the school's vision
• The school audit of existing provision
• Development of the strategic plan (in line with the school's Development Plan)
• Implementation

Who should be involved?

The Investing in Voice programme aims to provide all members of the school community with a means to communicate their ideas, views, concerns and compliments about the school through positive and constructive engagement. It will affect the underlying principles of the manner in which the school operates and it is therefore important that all members of the school community - including staff, students, governors and parents - should be involved in the development programme.

For further information please email Anna.Leatherdale@phoenixeducation.f9.co.uk or phone 01626 873178