The head teacher of an Onchan school has spoken of his pride after it had its Investing in Children status confirmed.

Peter Lewis, head of Ashley Hill School said the status reflects that pupils at the school have a role to play in how their school is run.

Mr Lewis told the Manx Independent: ’The status recognises that the school works in partnership with children to exercise their rights and participate in decisions that directly affect them. ’

The school was originally awarded the status in 2017 and we were re-validated back in November 2018.’

The award was presented on Friday (a nonuniform day) by Jonathan Ayres, Arbory School’s head teacher and the island’s Investing in Children validator.

Mr Ayres met the school council, who Mr Lewis said spoke ’eloquently’ about all the achievement they had led as a team representing their fellow pupils.

He also provided a report which detailed how all children in the school can have an impact on decisions that are made, with weekly meetings in class and feedback to the whole council.

Mr Lewis added: ’From organising pupil-led clubs to raising money for Hospice Isle of Man, the children at Ashley Hill know that they are able to have an impact on the decisions made in school, and are delighted to receive this recognition for all their hard work.’

The children are taking part in a wallaby themed fundraiser set up by Hospice Isle of Man. Mr Lewis said: ’Children have been taking their own selfies, sporting a range of outfits and accessories, in our exciting Wallaby den.

’The children have each designed their own wallaby thinking about why Ashley Hill is special to them.

’We can’t wait for all the amazing fundraising to follow.’