The year 3 and 4 children attended the event at the East Suffolk Council Chambers in Melton, where they spent the afternoon debating the question “Being a responsible citizen – is following the rules enough?”.

It was a lively debate between two teams of children, which took place in the Council Chamber and prompted many important and interesting discussions. After a close contest, team “no” was declared the winner by the panel.

This followed a morning of sessions by East Suffolk Councillor Sarah Whitelock and PC Hannah Canning, who outlined different aspects of responsibility such as taking care of our environment and what to do in various situations where they see a person doing something illegal or unkind.

The schools involved, all from Evolution Academy Trust, were: Coldfair Green Primary, Dell Primary, Elm Tree Primary and Poplars Primary (all Suffolk); and Angel Road Junior, Bignold Primary, Costessey Primary, Eaton Primary, Filby Primary and Wensum Junior (all Norfolk).

Organiser Clare Williams, Headteacher at Coldfair Green Primary School, said: “Through regular School Council meetings and Pupil Parliament events, our students know that their pupil voice is important, valued and can have a positive impact. They get to see debating and democracy in action. They can grow in confidence and be supported and inspired to develop their own views on key topics, helping them to become thoughtful citizens of the future."