Highland Council Psychological Service regularly gathers feedback from stakeholders as part of their self-evaluation processes. Pupil focus groups were facilitated by members of the Psychological Service, to gather primary and secondary school children and young people’s views – to help inform and shape future service delivery. Eight focus groups were carried out face-to-face in schools and a youth group setting. Two questions were asked of participants:
Q1 What are the issues affecting children and young people in their communities?
Q2 How can Educational Psychologists and other adults best support children and young people with these issues?
In summary, our children and young people want to express themselves and they want to be listened to – as they have valuable views to give. They want a discrete listening ear at times of trouble – which can often best be provided by school staff. Young people want access to regular contact with guidance, and accessible mental health support, and help to manage stress. They also highlighted their wish for more social education. Children and young people are telling us that they want to be involved in decision making which affects them, at every step and at every level.
Key questions arising:
• How can we promote even better listening to children?
• How can we promote greater children’s participation in the decisions that affect them?
• How can we amplify and use the voices of children and young people to help facilitate some systemic changes that they feel need to happen?
Please contact HighlandCouncilPsychologicalService@highland.gov.uk to request a copy of the full report.
Children and Young People Infographic
Primary School
Children and Young People Infographic
Secondary School
For more information about the various tools you can use to gather the views of children and young people you may wish to look at this publication: Tools for gathering the views of children and young people
Highland Council Psychological Service 