St Martin’s Primary School pupils made a presentation as part of the Primary School Congress, an initiative that involves 120 children from 15 of the island's schools. Front row are, left to right, Toby Giles, Chloe Le Parmentier, Abbie Johns and George Bates. Middle row, left to right, are Lily Russell, Stephanie Le Prevost and Hannah Belton. Back row, left to right, are Laura McDonald, Alex Hannah, from Specsavers, and lifelong learning manager Alun Williams. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0805940)

IDEAS raised at the second Primary Schools’ Congress will make a difference, according to lifelong learning manager Alun Williams.

Last month, 120 children from 15 local schools attended the meeting and 13 States deputies had a chance to get involved.

Mr Williams said the recommendations made at the congress, which were presented yesterday, would give deputies a chance to respond.

‘The recommendations won’t necessarily make changes, but they can make a difference,’ he said.

‘The children said they were worried about alcohol last year and now we have an alcohol education officer.’

Recommendations made at the congress this year covered the environment, pollution, vandalism and graffiti.

The children said what the best and worst things were in the island and how they could be improved.

Mr Williams said the thing he found the most surprising was how concerned the children were about the environment.

‘To be thinking about these things at such an early age shows how responsible the children are.’

The findings of the congress will now be circulated to all States departments, schools and deputies.