Southampton MP Darren Paffey visits Harefield Primary School

Southampton Itchen MP Darren Paffey visited Harefield Primary School on May 2, to talk to pupils about the campaign that their school is supporting.

Harefield Primary is a UNICEF Silver Rights Respecting School, and the pupils are currently taking part in Outright – a nationwide children’s rights campaign organised by UNICEF UK.

It is one of hundreds of schools and organisations across the country that are highlighting the voices of children and young people and encouraging decision-makers to listen.

Darren Paffey visits Harefield pupils backing children’s rights cause (Image: Harefield Primary) During the MP’s visit, the school’s Pupil Voice group, which is made up of two pupils per year group aged six to 11, were able to discuss his job as an MP as well as how they are playing an active role in advocating for children’s rights.

Teacher Helen Heal said: "Children’s rights are at the heart of our school, and we take their views seriously.

"The children learn about rights, through an ethos of rights and are learning how they can get involved in local and global issues."

The school has had many "rights days" where they have learnt about democracy, dignity, equity and equality, as well as global citizenship.

Harefield Primary pupils share views with MP on food poverty (Image: Harefield Primary) Through the Outright campaign, the children have been learning about food poverty and what we can do about it.

They have visited local food banks and were able to share this action and learning with MP Darren Paffey.

MP Darren Paffey said: "It was such a pleasure to meet such bright and enthusiastic young campaigners."