The young politicians could have promised the the earth to secure votes.
But the children of Slaithwaite CE Primary School kept it simple and deliverable when they staged their own General Election 2015.
Children formed political parties in the hope of being named Prime Minister for the day.
They promised longer playtime for the pupils – and also a longer break for the teachers – focused on the cost of school dinners and of a review of the school day.
Headteacher Elaine Bradley and deputy head Kay Millward praised the pupils efforts as voting got underway. The results will be known by tomorrow - Friday, around the same time the rest of the UK discovers how the country has voted.
Mrs Bradley said: “They have done really well, they have learnt so much about the history of politics, democracy, what it takes to be a leader and how to win votes.
“They had to look at what they could deliver and it had to be something achievable.”
One common theme among the parties was the promise of extra playtime, and Mrs Bradley was not ruling it out.
She added: “I think whatever is in the winning manifesto could be carried out on Friday.”
The parties for the school’s children and staff to vote for were many and varied.
They were: The UK Education and Environment party; Willow Tree; RDLI (Robbie, Daniel, Louie and Iefan); Willow Conservatives; the Services Society of Young Men; Two Gates Supporters; Save Our School; and TEER (Tilly, Evie-Jo, Ellie and Rosie).
Pledges included a better environment, extra playtime and breaks, a weekly litter pick and one party even promised ‘what you want is what you get’.
Children in years four and five formed the parties and made colourful rosettes and campaign posters.
Voting is now underway and the result will be announced ahead of Friday, when the leader of the winning party will become Prime Minister for the day.
