Page 16 of 36
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 and an Independent Advocate visit every month.
Due to the level of understanding our young people have, it can be difficult
to question the young people directly. The visitors observe different aspects
of the young peoples' lives to ensure their choices are supported within
Prior's Court School.
• 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; and Talking Walls).
• We aim to ensure 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 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.
• 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.