Safeguarding the environment is a united task adopted by Junior Leaders representing Viking Academy Trust schools Upton Juniors in Broadstairs, Chilton Primary in Ramsgate and Ramsgate Arts Primary.

They have vowed to increase their support for the natural world and local habitats following an inspirational meeting from local environmentalist George Cooper, winner of the BBC Kent ‘make a difference’ green award, who was a special guest at their first meeting of the school year.

Hannah Cheshire, Deputy Head of School at Chilton Primary, said: “Mr Cooper has been working on Minster marshes for years, protecting and encouraging all wildlife, but mostly bird populations.

“He taught the children about the importance of this local area and shared with the children how he has campaigned to make a difference.

“Inspired by his actions, the children have gone back to their individual schools to spread the word in support of being more vigilant about these important issues that affect us all.

“It is an excellent opportunity for our pupils to be engaged with considering how each school can work together to further expand their green initiatives like being eco warriors, caring for wildlife and encouraging sustainability.

This year the joint meetings of the Junior Leadership Team will further focus on how the children can make a difference within their school and local community.

At their first get together held at Upton Junior School the group also discussed National Parliament Week, linking the role that junior leaders have in school to that of their local members of parliament. They discussed the importance of listening to and representing the thoughts and wishes of their peers in school and considering the positive changes they could make in school.

The children will the democratically choose another local issue they wish to raise awareness of and create a campaign in support of it.

Their simple but critical aim is to support senior leaders in the running of the Trust’s three partners, Upton Juniors in Broadstairs, Chilton Primary, and Ramsgate Arts primary.

Elected by their peers, each school’s individual leadership group meets together three times a year in order to learn from each other or work on joint ventures.

The inter-school networking and pupil voice initiative can involve many aspects ranging from fund raising to making lunchtimes more exciting – the junior leaders’ views are vital in raising what is important from them and in shaping school improvement.

Executive Head Teacher of the Trust Michaela Lewis says the joint JLT networking sessions and the roles each group has to play in their own schools are vital.

She explained: “Our senior staff embrace their ideas and suggestions, which are discussed thoughtfully and seriously. It fully involves our children in having a true voice in what could be done to further enhance life in our three schools and in our wider community.”

*Contact Viking Academy Trust Executive Head Teacher Michaela Lewis on 01843 582847