Posted on: Friday 28 November 2025
Pupils from four primary schools met this week to pilot a new Torfaen Junior Youth Forum.
Eleven school council representatives from George Street, Griffithstown, Penygarn and New Inn primary schools met at New Inn school, where they discussed the importance of children having a voice.
They took part in a workshop held by member of the Children’s Commissioner for Wales's team about Article 12 of the UNCR Children's Rights, which says children should have the right to freely express their views and to have them considered and taken seriously.
They also identified a joint topic to work on before they meet again in the summer term.
Jack, Year 6 pupil from Penygarn Community School, said: "I enjoyed today meeting people from other schools and seeing how they get along."
Skye Lewis, Year 6 pupil from George Street Primary School, said: "I enjoyed drawing and painting; everyone is standing up for our rights, so we can get everything we need."
Kath O’Kane, Children’s Commissioner for Wales participation officer, said: "It's great that pupils from different schools in Torfaen have an opportunity to gather to voice and express their rights."
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: It's fantastic to hear the junior youth forum members were discussing the importance of getting their voices heard.
"Our junior and senior youth forums, Torfaen Youth Alliance and annual council take over days are all geared to giving children and young people the chance for us to listen to what they have to say."
The next Torfaen Junior Youth Forum will take place in the summer term. It will be reviewed with the schools with a view to extending it to other schools ahead of the next academic year.
Members of the Torfaen Youth Forum also met at Civic Centre, in Pontypool, this week where they set their objectives for the year and discussed plans for a new Torfaen Deal.
You can get involved in the conversation around the council's plans for a new way of working with residents and communities: https://getinvolved.torfaen.gov.uk/torfaen-deal