Involving Learners with their Education
In developing an inclusive school ethos it is important that SEND Learners have the opportunity to share their views alongside their non-SEND peers. Schools should consider the proportion of learners with SEND who take part in learner voice activities such as:
- School Council or Shadow SLT
- Peer Mentors
- Buddy’s for younger learners
- Prefects or student ambassadors
- Student interview panels
Resources for Working with Learners from Derby City Council
At the link above the following resources can be found:
- All About Me – Resources to support learners share information about themselves and help others get to know them as individuals
- Improvement Ladder – Resources to support learners to give their views on how things can be improved
- Three Islands – Resource to support adults to understand a learner’s relationship with others, their wishes and desires and identify any potential risks.
Children and young people should be included in any discussions about their Special Educational Needs and planned provision. This could be through involving the pupil in all or part of any discussions, or gathering their views as part of the preparation.
- Children and young people should be central to all decisions made on their behalf. Every effort should be made to encourage a child to play a pivotal role in their own education.
- Learners should feel that their opinions matter, and this should be reflected in intended outcomes and further discussions.
- It is important to be inventive when persuading learners to voice their opinions (e.g. through puppets, drawings, photos, role play, telephone calls etc.)
- For some learners observations of the child at play/work and their reactions will provide information about their likes, dislikes and difficulties.
- When recording learner’s views they should always be dated and a note made on how these views were collected.
- Learners should be encouraged to contribute towards the setting of learning targets and contributing to plans for their education. Learner’s views should be central to discussions about choice of schools, the assessment of their needs, the Termly and Annual reviews and any transition processes.
Other useful documents about supporting Learners to contribute to their support meetings
Involving Children and Young People in Formal Meetings – Council for Disabled Children Worksheet
Developing a Supportive Environment - Council for Disabled Children Worksheet
Top Tips for Professionals who support Learners to participate in their EHCP – Council for Disabled Children Guidebook