Ways of working

Our development team is experienced in work with children in a variety of settings and we know that we cannot work with them in ways which are easily recognised by adults - so no committees here, no notion that the children are representatives (although they are representative), no compartmentalising of the world as adults see it. This is not a think tank. It is not a school for budding politicians. It is an experience for children and about children. The Children's Parliament is not about advocating on children's behalf, they can do that themselves. This is an initiative which will be rich in learning for adults if they listen carefully.

We have developed a thematic and holistic approach which underpins our active citizenship programme. Our work is based on children having fun and engaging in projects and investigations in and across our themes which reflect the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Children's Parliament themes are:

• Who we are
• Where we live
• Freedom
• Health and happiness
• Feeling safe and being cared for
• Having our say

Through our pilot community programme we have designed and delivered the initial 12 month programme at the heart of the Children’s Parliament experience. After the first year programme the groups will increasingly reflect the interests and direction sought by the children. Our other work online, with families and in schools, will also reflect this holistic and thematic approach.