NPTC Group of Colleges: children’s rights training to develop skills and understanding
NPTC Group of Colleges is a post-16 further education setting offering education mainly across Neath Port Talbot and Powys. Student representatives and student union officers are enabled and empowered to have their voices heard through participating in children’s rights based training as part of their induction programme.
Training is delivered annually by Neath Port Talbot Children’s Rights Unit and the College Student Involvement and Diversity Officer. It includes:
- Rights of children and young people
- Principles of good governance with an overview of college governance and reporting structures
- Skills needed to be effective student leaders
Student representatives and union officers are part of a wider student participation framework, operated across the College. These include decision making groups, for example the College Health and Wellbeing Strategy Group and the College Diversity Management Group. It also includes extensive consultations across the student body through surveys and focus groups.
One of the key factors that has contributed to the loud, strong and informed student voice is the whole college approach to participation and Article 12 of the UNCRC, championed by the Senior Management team and Corporation Board.
Next steps will include delivering Introduction to Children’s Rights training for professionals with the initial focus on teaching and support staff.