Name: Mr Scott Tyler

Role: Pupil Experience Advocate

School: Cranham Primary School

Why did you choose to become an advocate?

My son goes to Cranham and I wanted to get to know and understand what goes on in school. I wanted to be a positive influence in school.

How does your role benefit the children/school?

The pupil experience advocate’s role is to give pupils a voice. If pupils have any concerns, then we can feedback so improvements can be made. We can also highlight what’s working well.

How much time does it take up?

There are 3 school visits per year, 1 each term for a couple of hours. After each school visit there is a one-hour virtual meeting attended by all school pupil experience advocates to feedback to the link trustee for pupil experience.

There is also an annual MAT Governance Day which gives advocates an opportunity to meet other advocates, ask questions, undertake training such as safeguarding and find out the focus for the coming year.

What is your favourite part of the role?

Meeting pupils and seeing how they get on in school. It’s a good insight into how the school runs and what’s expected.

What skills have you developed as an advocate?

I had no prior experience of being in a school and didn’t know what to do or what to say. As I’ve developed in the role, I now know what questions to ask and how to communicate with a range of people. It has been a positive experience for me!