Name: Mrs Sue Palmer

Role: Pupil Experience Advocate

School: Cranham Primary School

Why did you choose to become an advocate?

I’ve always taught and feel comfortable in a school environment. As I’ve progressed in my career, I interact less with children. However, I like spending time with children, so being an advocate is a good opportunity to connect with children and give something back.

It’s nice to be a part of children’s futures and help facilitate the way children consider their future aspirations, beyond school.

How does your role benefit the children/school?

It gives pupils a voice! It is our responsibility to make them feel comfortable and ensure they have an opportunity to have their say. It is important that they feel they have a say in matters that affect them.

Advocates bridge the gap between school and trustees, we give trustees an understanding of what is going on in the school.

What is your favourite part of the role?

Spending time talking to children, chatting and finding out their point of view.

Our role is strategic in monitoring whether learning objectives have been embedded and whether children are getting the most from teaching and learning. It’s rewarding to know that we are paving the way for the future, not just looking at what’s happening now in the classroom, but that our feedback is used to improve and envision the future.