We are Democracy Friendly

We are Democracy Friendly

Democracy Friendly Schools

We want every school in Kirklees to be Democracy Friendly.

All our young citizens should be able learn about – and get involved in – local democracy and civic life. We are supporting schools in Kirklees to become Democracy Friendly and you can sign up now. Schools for all ages can take part, and young people aged 11 to 16 will also have the opportunity to grow their skills and experience by becoming Kirklees Youth Councillors.

Our Democracy Friendly Schools programme is based on our learning from over 1,700 children and young people in Kirklees and the recommendations of our Young Commissioners. Our young citizens told us how we can help them to grow the skills, confidence and connections they want, in the way that they want. You can find out more about what we learned in our Growing a stronger youth council report.


Get involved – sign up

We welcome expressions of interest from schools anywhere in Kirklees who would like to join our programme, at any time. Have a look at these pages for more information about what you can expect and the benefits for children, young people and schools. Then get involved by filling in our online form.

How schools for ages 11 to 16 can get involved

How schools for ages 5 to 11 can get involved


How schools are getting involved

High schools – Newsome Academy’s story

Primary schools – Gomersal St Mary’s’ story

Special schools – Fairfield’s story


Our latest news

Celebrating our inspiring Youth Councillors (Kirklees Together)

How Kirklees Council’s pioneering Democracy Friendly Schools programme is inspiring young people to get involved in local democracy (LGiU)

Latest blogs about Democracy Friendly Schools


Councillor Cathy Scott

“I’m delighted to see the Democracy Friendly Schools programme getting under way. This is a really important part of our work to grow a stronger local democracy in Kirklees. Our Democracy Working Group have been really impressed with the young people who have been involved in developing this work. They have told us that they want local democracy to be a normal part of growing up, so that it becomes part of everyday life for all young people. We are keen to support more young citizens to get involved.

“I would encourage all schools to take the opportunity to participate – please help us to make sure that every school in Kirklees becomes democracy friendly.”

Cllr Cathy Scott
Leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet Lead for Democracy


Previous updates

Democracy Friendly Schools update, September 2021 (PDF)
Democracy Friendly Schools update, July 2020 (PDF)


 

28th Huddersfield Brownies

Democracy Friendly organisations

Our aim is for local democracy to be part of everyday life, for everyone.

We want to develop an environment and a culture that nurtures young people’s interest in local democracy.  It’s important that young people can participate in whatever setting works for them. If you’re part of an organisation who are working with young people in Kirklees and you would like to become Democracy Friendly, you are very welcome to get in touch.

Contact Kirklees Youth Council

“The only way you can get involved is by understanding how local democracy works “

[Kirklees citizen]

We have also heard clearly from our citizens that people of all ages want (and need) civic education. Local democracy is unfamiliar territory for many, and we want to help everyone learn how things work and how to get involved. Any organisation is welcome to get in touch to talk about how we can work together to grow a stronger local democracy.

Contact us