Advice on Helping a Child or Young Person Complete their My Views document.

The My Views is a child or young person’s opportunity to contribute an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) needs assessment request.

Advice on Helping a Child or Young Person

The My Views is a child or young person’s opportunity to contribute an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) needs assessment request. This is usually completed in school with help from someone the child or young person is familiar with, however there may be reasons for this to be completed at home with a parent. If you feel that your child or young person presents differently at home and at school you may want to complete a home version with them

The document has to be relevant to children and young people aged 0-25 with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities, therefore it may seem too simple for a high functioning young person or too difficult for a young child or those with profound difficulties. We also advise to complete it to the best of the child or young person’s abilities. If the child would like to express their views in another way, such as a drawing, this can also be submitted. It is also ok if a child or young person does not want to complete the form at all.

Section 19 of the Children and Families Act sets out the general principles that local authorities must have regard to when supporting disabled children and young people and those with SEN under Part 3 of the Act. Local authorities must pay particular attention to:  the views, wishes and feelings of children and their parents, and young people; the importance of them participating as fully as possible in decision-making and providing the information and support to enable them to do so; and supporting children and young people’s development and helping them to achieve the best possible educational and other outcomes.

You can find a copy of the My Views document here https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/sendocs there is also a version with Widget symbols if this will help the child or young person complete the form.

Recording a Child or Young Person’s Voice

A child or young persons’ voice is very important. It is also important to ensure that it is clear when a child or young person is expressing their views directly and when an adult is expressing views on their behalf.

If a child or young persons is filling the form out themselves they should use ‘I’ (e.g. I love swimming). If an adult is completing the form for a child or young person but recording the answers to question, ‘I’ should also be used. If a child is unable to answer the questions but assumptions are being made for the child, the child’s name should be used (e.g. Danny loves swimming). Ideally a reason this assumption has been made should also be recorded (e.g. Danny loves swimming as he is always smiling and splashing in the water).

When recording a child or young person’s answer it can be tempting to censor their responses into ‘reasonable’ or ‘accurate’ answers, however it is important to hear their voice. For example; if a child or young person answers ‘I need help with’ by saying ‘nothing’ it can be frustrating as you know they need a lot of help, however this may indicate that they don’t realise the level of support they need or that they don’t understand that they get extra help at all, both of which are important points.  It may help children and young people give honest answers if they know why they are completing the form and who will see it.