AN ILKLEY primary school hosted the inaugural school council convention for members of the Wharfe Valley collaboration last week.

Pupils and teachers from three primaries attended the event at All Saints' Primary School in Easby Drive.

It was an opportunity for school councillors to share good practice and present ideas from their own school.

The schools that attended the event were Burley Oaks Primary, Burley Woodhead Primary and All Saints' Primary.

Each school delivered a presentation – Burley Oaks school council explained how it had implemented a healthy eating initiative, All Saints' discussed its success with the school talent competition and Burley Woodhead shared its 'run a mile a day' initiative.

A highlight of the morning was a presentation delivered by Ilkley Parish Council chairman, Councillor Brian Mann, who talked about the challenges and opportunities in his role.

The event was organised by Chris Whitehead, a Year 5 and 6 teacher and school council co-ordinator at All Saints' School, as a way to further strengthen the collaboration between schools in the Wharfe Valley and to raise the profile of the pupil voice.

"Pupil voice encourages leadership and enterprise, as well as encouraging pupils to take ownership of their own school," said Mr Whitehead. "Education is going through a significant transitional phase nationally; I see it as our role to hold on to the values we know are important for all of our learners.

"This event champions those skills and aptitudes, recognising that successful learners have access to a broad and balanced and purposeful curriculum.

"We will continue to develop this event, with next year's convention already being organised."

Cllr Mann said: "It was a great privilege to talk to the children about my role and about leadership.

"The children were very attentive and asked some very intelligent questions. I have no doubt there was a future leader of Ilkley Parish Council among them."

He added: "It was a great initiative organised by Mr Whitehead, and I hope it carries on in the future."