9 schools from across West and South Yorkshire took part in The Voice in the Middle pilot project, exploring how pupils can be empowered to contribute to their own education and community. Effective voice and influence work can be a powerful force of change enhancing achievement, attainment and wellbeing, and developing key skills for learning and life for young people and school staff.

On Friday 4th November, CapeUK are gathering; young people, teachers, MPs, Councillors, local authorities, creative/arts organisations… to develop this work and explore how voice and influence work with young people can be meaningful and effective and how it can be embraced and supported by the adults who work with young people.  Becci Mason, Project Manager, CapeUK says; “We will be looking at how children and young people can be supported to make their voices heard in a meaningful way, and will demonstrate how adults can embrace and adapt this work for their own settings.” For more information click here or call Jayne on 0114 286 6260

The Voice in the Middle project was developed in partnership with CapeUK, Lippy People and funded by Creative Partnerships. 

The Voice in the Middle resource booklet with poster and DVD will be launched at this event.  The resource identifies some of the top tips for embedding quality and effective voice and influence work within schools and their communities.  The resource journeys through the model and highlights the benefits discovered by participators; providing practical tools and provocations. Pat Cochrane, Chief Executive, CapeUK says; “This is a very practical resource drawn from experience in real schools and real communities. We hope it will support people in their voice and influence journey.”

The 9 schools who took part in the Voice in the Middle pilot project were from across West and South Yorkshire; Tuel Lane Infants School, Flanshaw St Michaels Primary School, Oughtibridge Primary School, Barnburgh School, Abbey Special School, Copthorne Primary School, Worsbrough Common Primary School, Ilkley Grammar School and Earlsheaton Technology College.

For more information about this event please call CapeUK on 0114 286 6260
Quotes from some people who were part of the pilot project:

 “[The project] allowed them [young people] to be expressive about their home backgrounds and that helped me understand the way the children think about life … the video was really powerful, it brought to light problems that they have to face before they even get into school.” Inclusion Coordinator, Worsbrough Common Primary School

 “Outside I felt free, I felt good making things out of nature. I could be me and say just what I wanted to and everybody listened.” – Pupil, Abbey Special School

“Children today are the adults of tomorrow…they need to be aware of what’s happening around their school and in the community.” – Member of the Public, Ilkley

“When the pebble of ‘asking’ children and young people is dropped in the pond, how do the ripples that go out and those that wash back, affect what actually happens for them?” Dave Tomlinson, Project Lead, Lippy People.

“It used to be the teacher at the front being dominant, now there is more discussion. It’s the same at work, now there’s more discussion and we ask employees ‘how can we do this, how can we develop?’” Local Employer, Warburtons Bakery

“I was really surprised at how the children understood what we do. The planning idea worked really well.
We are now planning with each class, a full morning of planning for the first term. We knew we had co-construction for the independent time, but have now used it for the rest of the curriculum.” Teacher, Barnburgh Primary School

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Notes to Editor:

PRESS RELEASE – PHOTO OPPORTUNITY 4/11/11
(Released 28 October 2010)

Electric Works, Sheffield Digital Campus, Sheffield, S1 3BS on Friday 4 November 2011, 9.30 – 1pm there will be a photo opportunity with young people and local MP Clive Betts at 12:25 – if you would like to attend please contact Jayne Gladden on 0114 286 6261 or e-mail Jayne.gladden@capeuk.org or call Jo Jessop, Communications Manager