Include your child’s views
1. What you might notice
A child may explain a barrier differently from adults, or find a meeting difficult. Their views can be gathered in more than one way.
2. What to ask
- How would my child prefer to contribute: words, drawing, a trusted adult or a short conversation?
- What do they want adults to understand, and what helps?
3. What to record — and why
Child’s words or preferred communication: Preserves their perspective; label a quotation separately from your summary.
How and when the view was gathered: Gives context and avoids presenting an old comment as a current view.
What the child wants shared: Helps discuss privacy and expectations; do not promise secrecy where safety is involved.
Adult response and follow-up: Shows whether their contribution led to a practical response.
4. An example
Fictional example, not an account of North Cestrian or a particular child.
My child would prefer me to read their short note rather than speak in the meeting. Please include their question about noisy corridors.
5. Your next step
Use open questions and avoid repeatedly asking for distressing details. Share necessary safeguarding concerns with appropriate adults. Add the child’s perspective to your meeting preparation.
Copy a preparation template
Complete your own copy outside this website. Use only the headings that help; the explanation above shows why each matters.
Include your child’s views — PRIVATE PREPARATION NOTE Child’s words or preferred communication: [Your note] How and when the view was gathered: [Your note] What the child wants shared: [Your note] Adult response and follow-up: [Your note] Main question or action requested: [Your note] Agreed follow-up: [Your note]
Check the guidance
Guidance checked 14 October 2026. Check current rules before formal action.