There are lots of different methods, tools and resources available for gathering the views of young people. It is important to base your approach on the interests and needs of each individual. Some young people will be happy to talk and complete questionnaires, whereas others will need more creative approaches.
ALL young people should be encouraged to share their views, to gain a realistic sense of how they perceive their college experiences. This will help highlight ways to support adaptations to whole-setting approaches, Quality First Teaching and other more targeted interventions.
For young people who may not communicate verbally or prefer using visual supports, try non-verbal methods, for example
- taking photos of all of their favourite parts of the classroom;
- line up photos or pictures in order from favourite to least favourite;
- card sorts to pick favourite subject/least favourite;
- projective techniques in which they might select a picture that shows how they feel e.g. the Blob School resources
For young people who can communicate verbally, verbal or written methods may be used (adults could scribe, young person could use speech-to-text software, or they could write their views if they wish). For example:
- Three wishes – if you could have three wishes about college, what would they be?
- Perfect week – describe your perfect week in detail.
- Good day/bad day – describe what happens on a good day from the moment you get up, what happens on a bad day, and how can we work to have more good days?
- Relationship circle - who is important in your life?
- Decision-making profile – exploring how and in what ways to a young person can be best supported to make decisions.
- Some young people might like to share their views using a smartphone or tablet. Apps such as 'Mind of My Own' can support them to do this. You can read more about this app here: Mind Of My Own
Older young people may wish to contribute in person, which should be encouraged. To ensure this is supportive and successful it is essential to have a well-structured meeting.
Further information about person-centred planning, and a person-centred planning toolkit can be accessed here. This also includes feedback received from Bury SENCOs/LSMs and teachers following their use of these materials.