Weston charity helps young reporters spread good news from local schools to the world
By Jill Dando News
Children as young as four are becoming journalists as a Weston-born project inspired by Jill Dando spreads across local schools, thanks to the generosity of a big-hearted charitable trust.
A local charity is helping a new generation of young reporters find their voices, celebrate positive stories and follow in the footsteps of one of Britain’s best-loved broadcasters.
The Axentis Michael Charitable Trust is supporting the Good News Rooms project as other schools across the Extend Learning Academies Network (ELAN) begin implementing their own newsrooms, building on the successful pilot at Walliscote Primary School.
Created by Weston-based Good News Post, the initiative gives children the opportunity to become young journalists, develop communication skills and discover the power of positive storytelling – following the example of BBC presenter Jill Dando, who championed “journalism with a smile”.
Walliscote pupils have spent 10 months reporting on school events and achievements, welcoming visits from the BBC, the Mayor and representatives from the Lord-Lieutenant’s Office, and even appearing live on BBC Radio Bristol this week to mark what would have been Jill Dando’s 65th birthday.
Good News Post
The successful pilot is now providing the blueprint for other ELAN schools to introduce their own Good News Rooms, with the Axentis Michael Charitable Trust helping make the expansion possible.
Michelle Michael, a former Walliscote pupil and trustee of the Axentis Michael Charitable Trust, said:
“We are delighted to help this Good News Post project grow from Weston-super-Mare to the wider world – and it is especially wonderful that the first school involved was my former primary school.
“The project is packed with aspiration. It builds confidence and self-esteem while encouraging children to find and share the positive stories we all need to hear. We are delighted to be partnering with it.”
Shelley Flanagan, headteacher at Walliscote Primary School, said:
“Our children have thrown themselves into the project and have become an amazing example of enthusiasm and talent.
“It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow through the Good News Room.
“A huge thank you to the Axentis Michael Charitable Trust.”
James Oakley, CEO of ELAN, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to see the Good News Rooms programme rolling out across our schools. Thanks to the Axentis Michael Charitable Trust for helping to make this happen.
“It is particularly special that the project is rooted in the legacy of Jill Dando, and we are delighted to be helping that positive legacy live on through a new generation.”
The project began in a headteacher’s office at Priory School in 2011, before Jill Dando News was launched at her former school, Worle School, in 2016.
Today, children aged four and upwards are learning real-life interviewing, photography, news writing, presentation and communication skills while uncovering stories worth celebrating in their schools and communities.
our newest reporters
It is boosting aspiration, confidence, literacy and mental wellbeing.
The impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
Young reporters have interviewed the Prime Minister inside Downing Street three times including once inside 10 Downing Street, the Speaker of the House of Commons at Parliament and BBC presenter Fiona Bruce.
The Axentis Michael Charitable Trust was established in memory of Weston businessman and hotelier Axentis Michael. It has raised and donated more than £3 million to local causes, including Weston Hospicecare, Weston Hospital’s Children’s Ward and families with children who have life-restricting conditions.
Schools interested in bringing a Good News Room to their pupils can visit www.goodnewspost.org or email pippa@goodnewspost.co.uk.
