Authors: Dr Jenny Twells, Rachael John and Jemma Donnelly
What is Pupil Voice?
- Eliciting pupil voice is the process of exploring a child’s views with them.
- These views should then betaken into consideration when decisions are being made about the child/ children.
- This might involve understanding how the child feels about school, what helps them, what doesn’t help them, what they enjoy, and what they don’t enjoy.
- These views can be explored both in group sessions, such as student councils, or in individual sessions with children.
- It is importantthat these viewsare taken seriously, and influence changes/ decision making processes accordingly.
Why is it important?
- We want to empower children and young people to know that their experiences, opinions and wishes are understood and valued.This promotes their confidence and development.
- The child knows themselves better than anyone else, therefore, capturing the child’s views can help to make proactive and positive changes to their life.
- All children have the fundamental right to express their views on all matters affecting them (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989) and to participate as fully as possible in decisions involving them (SEND code of practice, 2015).
