1. Engaging Children in Decision-Making Workshop for SENCO conference 2015 Deirdre McConnell - team leader of the Emotional and Trauma Support team (ETS) Yanela Garcia - One Education Emotional and Trauma Support Assistant and Counsellor

2. Aims: To give you information and practical ideas on how to ensure the voice of children is heard and acted on in your school. The latest research in this area and examples of good practice.

3. ETS team Wide range of highly skilled and experienced school- based therapists in a vibrant and dynamic team. Focused on delivering high quality experiences for the child/young person, whose feedback has informed the development of our work over the last 12 years. Child’s voice at the centre of their intervention and the review process. Child-centred, adaptable, flexible ways of working in wide variety of settings and with a wide range of needs. Strong links with four Universities including Derby. We are Passionate about our work!

4. Why engage children in Decision-Making? Legal framework – International Law * CRC - Convention on the Rights of the Child Giving children a sense of agency (being listened to, taken seriously, being valued and experiencing ability to control, develop/ change views of adults) Person-Centred Planning – Putting children and families at the Centre * New (0-25) SEN Code of Practice in Schools

5. Step 1: Beginning Considerations How does the participation of children contribute to your school? Or does it? Extent of their involvement Degree of power sharing Planning for children’s involvement

6. Step 2: Planning to make it happen Getting prepared Who needs to be involved Engagement of Children and Young people

7. Logistics Bespoke to individual children’s needs What’s in it for the children Thinking about practical repercussions of power-sharing Video – Person-centred Review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B64x3v9ZEME

8. Step 3: Making it happen Child-friendly practice Communication

9. Child-friendly practice Creation of a safe place Contract Trust building games Continuity Structure Being Playful Clear boundaries

10. Communication Ask open ended questions to encourage children to speak freely in the discussion Really tune in to what the child is saying and the emotions behind the words Be honest Don’t criticise child for using incorrect words – non- judgemental approach

11. Step 4: Evaluating the process Benefits of evaluation Models of participation in evaluation Feedback Making sure you have delivered Video - The one page profile http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5ft4Hbyoes

12. One Thing… What single action will you take following this workshop to increase the engagement of children in decision-making in your school?

13. THANK YOU