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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 our young people 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 visits every month. Due to the level of
understanding our young people have, it can be difficult for the
Independent Visitor to question the young people directly. The visitor
observes different aspects of the young peoples' lives to ensure their
choices are supported within Prior's Court School and conducts Regulation
44 statutory visits.
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.
A range of communication strategies are employed to help young people
communicate their likes and dislikes and comment on their lives (e.g.
Choice Mats; Talking Walls).
We aim to ensure that our young people are able to make informed
choices (i.e. do not simply select any symbol from a choice board because
they understand they have to do something). Many of the young people
who are non-verbal may express their feelings or communicate their
preferences through their behaviour.
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 regularly 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.
An independent visiting advocate visits every month to meet with the
children and young people, observe and interact with them to understand
their views, wishes and feelings.