Young Voices, Clearly Heard at RAF Benson Primary School

I know her as my friend Steph, but to the children of RAF Benson Primary School, she is very clearly their headteacher, Mrs Fawdry.

It was a real pleasure to spend the morning at the school, beginning in assembly with the children and answering their thoughtful (and occasionally wonderfully direct) questions about what it means to be High Sheriff. There is something grounding about explaining civic roles to young people – they cut straight through the ceremony and get to the heart of why we do these things at all.

I then spent time with the School Council, talking about what they would most like to see improved across Oxfordshire. What struck me immediately was how closely their views mirror those I have heard from young people right across the county: concern for the environment, frustration about litter, and a strong desire to see potholes properly dealt with (I did wonder whether a few of them might have been listening carefully to conversations in the car on the way to school).

There were also thoughtful calls for more play facilities for very young children – and, from at least a handful of the group, an urgent and heartfelt case for Oxfordshire to acquire a really good theme park. They made their arguments with impressive seriousness.

Mark and I were both touched to be presented with “Thank You Awards” certificates at the end of the visit. They will be going in pride of place on the wall of my office – a reminder that listening to young people, and taking their views seriously, is never time wasted.

A lovely morning, and a powerful reminder that the young unheard often have a great deal to say, if only we give them the space.