Pupil Voice

At Pens Meadow School, we believe that every student has a right to be heard.

We recognise and celebrate the unique ways our pupils express themselves, ensuring that every member of our school community is encouraged and enabled to share their thoughts, feelings, and choices.

Communication takes many forms, and we value them all. Whether a pupil uses speech, gestures, symbols, vocalisation, facial expressions, or eye-pointing, our staff are trained to listen and respond.

• Active Participation: During lessons, pupils are supported to comment, ask questions, and make independent choices. This not only checks their understanding but also empowers them to take ownership of their learning.

• The Key Worker Approach: Our staff develop deep, meaningful relationships with pupils through our key worker system. By knowing each student intimately, staff can quickly identify subtle changes in behaviour, appearance, or communication, ensuring that no concern or worry goes unnoticed.

• Developing Life Skills: Supporting pupils to use their voice and express their opinions is a vital life skill. We work continuously to help students grow their confidence in communicating their needs and preferences.
  
  

Pupil Voice Progression Levels

To ensure we provide the right level of support, we use a structured framework to track and develop each student's communication journey.

An individual’s specific level can be found in the communication section of their ‘All About Me’ document.

• Level 1: An adult notices a pupil’s reaction to an experience and provides the language or symbols to describe it.

• Level 2: The pupil uses eye-pointing to demonstrate a clear choice.

• Level 3: The pupil reaches towards or touches an object, symbol, photo, or switch to indicate their choice.

• Level 4: The pupil independently indicates a choice by grasping an object, using their voice, signing, or using symbols and Aids for Learning (ALDs).

• Level 5: The pupil identifies what they have done well or what they need to work on, using symbols, signs, or ALDs as required.

• Level 6: The pupil is able to suggest what they could do next time to improve their work or behaviour.

• Level 7: The pupil can comment on the achievements and efforts of their peers using their preferred communication method.

By providing these clear pathways for progression, we ensure that every pupil at Pens Meadow is supported to reach their full potential as a confident communicator.