At SEN Space we believe that actively promoting the participation of children in the decisionmaking process creates a sense of partnership and benefits everyone, children, staff and parents/carers. We therefore involve the children whenever decisions are made that affect them.

 

We follow the principles set out in Articles 12 and 13 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which state that:

• A child’s opinion should be considered in anything that affects them.

• Children should have information disseminated in a way that enables them to make choices and decisions.

 

Involving and consulting children helps them to develop new skills such as negotiation, sharing, and understanding the perspectives of others. It helps them to understand how decisions are made and shows them that their opinions are important.

 

At SEN Space we actively consult the children and encourage them to participate in making decisions about the running of the setting through:

• Asking questions and paying full attention to the child’s response

• Listening to what they are saying verbally (or through use of visual aids) and observing their body language

• Committee meetings in the Sibling Support and Youth Clubs

 

The age and maturity of each child, and the additional needs of the child together with the type of decisions being made, determine the extent and nature of their involvement, however, the basic assumption is always that children will be involved. We make sure that we act on any consultation with the children so that they can see that their input has had visible outcomes. If children suspect that the consultation is just window-dressing they will disengage from the process.

 

At SEN Space, the children have the opportunity to participate and make decisions on a day to today basis, including, but not limited to:

• Choosing freely what type of play to engage in

• Suggestions of games and activities

• Helping tidy up

• Selecting new equipment

• Drawing up rules/ expectations

 

We have many children at SEN Space who may not be able to discuss their participation because of understanding or communication needs. Therefore we involve the whole family, and will include ideas and suggestions from parent carers, siblings and other professionals that work with that particular child. We also understand how important it is that we give all our children the resources and need specific environment so that they can learn to communicate and show us how and if they want to participate using a variety of equipment specific to that child’s needs. We also are aware that out children communicate their needs through many ways including behaviour, movement, sound and gestures, and this is why our staff are trained to ‘read the signs’ and give all our children the opportunities they righty deserve.

 

 

Written by Vikki Benton 12/10/2023

To be reviewed on 12/10/2024