Tools for gathering the views of children and young people

This universal pack of ideas includes a range of attractive, interactive tools devised and collated by Highland Council Psychological Service – they follow a developmental sequence to allow you to select the most suitable approaches for gathering child views at all ages and stages.

For some children with complex needs, gathering their views can seem a difficult task to complete. This can be particularly challenging for very young children as well as for young people with barriers to communication.

Legislation does require this – under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child all children, including those with disabilities, have the right to have their views sought and expressed.

The pack includes a selection of ideas which may be useful, but it is by no means an exhaustive list. Ensure to match the strategy to the child/young person’s strengths, interests, communication and developmental level.

If you are interested in the topic of gathering the views of children and young people, you may also want to read the information on Pupils views on their ideal service: Gathering children and young people’s views on their ideal service