THE member of parliament for Blaenau Gwent visited a school last week to hear about an innovative new "digital democracy" project the pupils are taking part in.

Bryn Bach Primary School has a new Participation Democracy Council – known as the PD Council – who have been trained to use VocalEyes.

VocalEyes is an online tool which allows the pupils to make suggestions on what they would like to see introduced to improve things at their school. Students are then given the chance to vote on whether they agree or disagree with the suggestions.

The PD council – who have trained all the school’s KS2 pupils in how to use the system – will meet weekly to analyse how suggestions have been rated over the week. They then work together to apply for funding to bring the suggestions to life.

Nick Smith MP said: “I was delighted to be invited to visit Bryn Bach Primary School and speak to the PD Council. I was struck by what a thoughtful and impressive group of young people they were.

“I think the project is a fantastic way to give children a say in what happens at their school and a great way to learn about democracy.

“Well done to all involved. I’m very interested to see what changes the pupils decide to make.”

And head teacher Dr Luisa Munro-Morris added: “I would like to offer a huge thank you from us all to Mr Smith for taking the time to come and visit us.

“Our Participation Democracy Council really enjoyed the opportunity to share the work they have started to do as a group on developing pupil voice and social action across the school.

“The next step for the PD Council is to set up a Parent Participation Democracy Council who can work with our young people to also input suggestions and rate the young people’s ideas.”