Children’s Advisory Council

In 2019, EMCC introduced a new leadership program for the senior children. This included the development of a Children’s Advisory Council, of which all four year Kindergarten children are invited to join.

The purpose of the Advisory Council is to support and empower the children’s participation as active citizens and learners. We consult with the children on a range of topics and projects which affect them, their community and society as a whole.

To date, the children have consulted on subjects such as,

We aim to engage with children’s voices. By ‘children’s voices’ we refer to children’s expression through speech, visual arts, movement, dance, song, music, photography, drama and language.

In 2009, the Council of Australian Governments launched its National Early Childhood Development Strategy, framed by a vision that “all children have the best start in life to create a better future for themselves and for the nation” (COAG, 2009, p.13). Underscoring this vision is the recognition that:

“Children are important. They bring their own value and influence to the world, as well as being shaped by the world around them…Children are also important for their future contribution to society, as the next generation of leaders, workers, parents, consumers and members of communities…in a global society.”

(COAG, National Early Childhood Development Strategy, 2009, p.7)

At the beginning of the year, all four year old’s are given an invitation to join the group, which they can use to indicate their willingness to be involved. Not all children are involved in every project every time, however there are many opportunities for participation throughout the year.

We require families consent to…

If families do not wish to provide consent, then their child will not be excluded from any activities, however their views will not be recorded for the uses as stated above.

If families do not wish to provide consent, then their child will not be excluded from any activities, however their views will not be recorded for the uses as stated above.

Please refer to the below information detailing key documents supporting this program.

Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (DEEWR, 2009, p.25)

Learning outcome 2 is especially relevant to children’s participation as active citizens and learners: ‘Children are connected with and contribute to their world.’

This outcome includes: ‘Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation’ (DEEWR, 2009, p.26)

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)

The Rights of the Child recognises that Children’s rights are part and parcel of human rights. Australia ratified these rights in 1991. Article 12, ‘Respect for the views of the child’, is particularly relevant to children’s participation as active citizens and learners:

“When adults are making decision that affect children, children have the right to say what they think should happen and have their opinions taken into account.”

UNICEF’S Framework and Vision for Child Friendly Cities

A ‘child-friendly city’ is committed to the fullest implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It guarantees among other rights, the right of every young citizen to:

Reference: Children’s Voices: A principled framework for children and young people’s participation as valued citizens and learners. Pauline Harris and Harry Manatakis