Prefects. Is this normal or a bit OTT?

[perfectpeter]

I would love to hear about primary schools that use a prefect system- how does it work? My DC's school are introducing a new system and I'm not sure how I feel about it.

The main points are:
One prefect per class.
Prefects are highly 'visible' as they wear an adapted uniform.
They are considered 'part of the School's Leadership Team' and are expected to have a role in interviewing new staff and observing lessons.
They will have quite a few duties, including giving up some lunchtimes (at least one a week), or being taken out of class for meetings. (Not sure how often this will happen).
Expected to show exemplary behaviour at all times.
Asked to report any bad behaviour to staff.

It all seems a bit much to me- more what I would expect in secondary school rather than primary. Particularly the different uniform for prefects.

Anyone else heard of similar happening?

Reporting bad behaviour to teachers is going to make them popular and loved by other pupils.

Its that attitude that causes bullying ... every child should report bad behaviour ... they should be duty bound!

I agree Sally, but I also don't understand how this tallies with the "don't tell tales" message children are given, even by teachers.

Dcs' school has house captains and a school council. AFAIK they get to wear a special badge, organise a cake sale to raise funds for play equipment once a year and that's it, no impact whatsoever other than the Ofsted box being ticked.
Cynical? Moi?

Again id agree with telling tales. Thia is why i would like to see a central log of all issues to find a pattern.

I have been interviewing heads since 2000 - the number of times the children have not been involved could be count don 1 hand. Its the norm. They are fabulous. There is a professional led adult only interview as well- this isn't the only interview!

Our school has pupil governors. They are basically school council members but renamed. They wear a big ID-style badge, go to meetings every couple of weeks, make decisions about certain things. And yes, they will meet with prospective candidates, chat to them and ask them questions. Whilst they will feed back to a member of the interview panel, the interview and lesson observation count for more.

They do not carry out lesson observations.

sounds awful.

Thanks again everyone for your thoughts. Lots to think about. It seems as though the set up is not unheard of, but perhaps at the extreme end of normal. As I say though, it is possible that it's all starting with the big fanfare but will fade away into something more mainstream. Time will tell.