As part of our speaking and listening focus, I produced a sheet inviting pupil comments about their school. The form invited ideas for positive change.

I showed a section of the Roald Dahl film Matilda - when she enters the schoolyard of Miss Trunchbull's school as an opener. I then talked to the children about how they perceived their school, and any suggestions they might have for improvements.

Each child had brought a pencil into the hall, and they then completed the forms, and handed them back to me. The children were allowed to sit or lie as they pleased, and I encouraged older pupils to help the younger ones express their views. I then collated their views and made a display in the entrance hall of our school.

The views were presented to staff and governors, and pertinent ideas are being incorporated into next year's whole school action plan. It worked really well.

Don't be daunted by the idea of doing something so fluid with a large group of children. Ours are described as "challenging". Their views were, their behaviour wasn't!!