Three Year 6 pupils from Malvern Primary School in Huyton attended Knowsley Council yesterday to get first-hand experience of democracy in action.
James Deyes (Chair of Junior Leadership Team and Deputy Head), Esme Clay and Iola Sinnett (Junior Leadership Team Secretaries) visited Knowsley Council’s Chamber on Wednesday 7 December 2022 where Council, Cabinet and Committee meetings are held.
The pupils were told about the role of Knowsley Council’s Cabinet, which is made up of:-
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council
Cllr Margaret Harvey, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services
Cllr Del Arnall, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care
Cllr Jayne Aston, Cabinet Member for Resources
Cllr Christine Bannon, Cabinet Member for Health
Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods
Pupils then got an opportunity to meet with the Council’s Leader, Cllr Graham Morgan, when they posed questions to him about his role, what inspired him to get into politics and what his priorities are over the coming months and years.
Pupils also met with the Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Eddie Connor, where he advised the pupils on his role as the Civic Mayor for the Borough and the range of ceremonial duties he carries out including the official opening of new play areas in the Borough’s parks as well as raising funds for local charities and good causes.
They then attended the Cabinet Meeting on 7 December 2022 where they were able to see all of the theory they have learned throughout the day put into practice and see democracy in action.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said: “I was delighted to meet with James, Esme and Iola and show them around our Council Chamber and answer their questions. They have a keen interest in politics and how local decisions are made and I was delighted to share my knowledge and experience with them. It was great to hear their future aspirations and I hope I have inspired them to take their interest forward as they progress their studies.”
Tony James, Head Teacher at Malvern Primary School, said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to learn about how local decisions that affect them are made. I know they are keen to share their experience with their classmates. Thank you to Knowsley Council for facilitating such an interesting and informative session.”