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Choice-making and expression of views can be difficult for many of the young
people at Prior's Court and therefore self-advocacy is seen as an important skill
that often needs to be taught.
Young people are encouraged to make choices in everyday situations such as
what to wear, in selecting preferred leisure activities and through the 'choice'
option within their schedules.
Strategies including Choice Mats and
Talking Walls help young people
comment on their lives, communicate
their likes and dislikes in a number of
areas, and enable them to express who
they would like to work with to support
them. Young people are able to add
pictures, symbols, photographs and
small objects which helps to create a
concrete and visual system through
which the young people can express
themselves.
Some young people are able to attend their Looked After Child or Annual Review
for a short time. The aim is to enable them to present their choices to the key
people making decisions on their behalf and give them greater involvement in
the planning and implementation of their care at Prior's Court School.
There is also an independent visitor who visits every term. Due to the level of
understanding our young people have, it can be very difficult for the advocate to
directly question the young people about how happy they are with their care and
education. Prior's Court's Independent Visitor observes different aspects of the
students' lives to ensure their choices are supported within the school.
Strategies are implemented to meet the needs of young people with English as
an additional language.
"Children have numerous, innovative opportunities to voice their opinions and feelings."
"Staff work hard to maximise the capacity of children with complex needs to actively participate in
day-to-day decision-making." - Ofsted Care inspection 2019