16
Views, wishes and feelings
8. Prior's Court School's policy and approach to consulting
children and young people about the quality of their care.
Due to the level of understanding the young people at Prior's Court School have, it
can be very difficult to directly question the young people about how happy they
are with their care and education. Consultation for young people at Prior's Court
School is therefore provided in a variety of ways:
• An Independent Visitor and an Independent Advocate visit every month.
The visitors observe different aspects of the young peoples' lives to ensure
their choices are supported within Prior's Court School. They observe and
interact with the young people to understand their views, wishes and
feelings.
• Children and young people are given regular and frequent opportunities to
make choices about their preferences in as many areas as possible and
supported to understand and communicate their choices. Choice-making
is an important skill that often needs to be taught. Young people are
encouraged to make choices in everyday situations such as what to wear,
selecting preferred leisure activities or through the 'choice' option within
their schedules.
• We aim to ensure young people are able to make informed choices and a
range of communication strategies are employed to help young people
communicate their views.
• Some young people are able to attend their Looked After Child or Annual
Review for a short time. If they are unable or unwilling to do so their
presence is represented via photos and/or videos of their work and
achievements.
• A Parent Survey is undertaken annually to gain the views about Prior's
Court School's provision of education and care of those who as
parents/carers advocate for their child.