4.2 Explain how the views of children, young people and carers can be obtained

This guide will help you answer 4.2 Explain how the views of children, young people and carers can be obtained.

Workers in the children and young people’s workforce must understand how to obtain the views of children, young people and carers. These views give insight into needs, preferences and experiences. Listening and acting on these views improves care, learning, and support. It also helps build trust and respect.

Gathering views is not only about asking questions. It is about creating the right conditions for honest feedback. Children and young people must feel safe, valued and heard. Carers need to know their opinions are respected and will make a difference.

Feedback helps to shape services, inform decisions and identify areas for improvement. It empowers individuals and gives them a sense of involvement in their own care and development.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

The environment in which discussions take place affects the quality of responses. A safe, relaxed and supportive setting helps people express themselves without fear. This may be a familiar room, a quiet corner of a classroom or a home visit.

For children and young people, comfort can be increased by:

• Using familiar surroundings
• Offering reassurance before and during conversations
• Keeping sessions short and engaging
• Avoiding intimidating language or tone

For carers, respect and openness are important. Workers should be sensitive to any concerns about confidentiality or judgement.

Using Age-Appropriate Communication

Communication methods must be suitable for the age and development level of the child or young person. Younger children may respond better to visual prompts, play-based activities or simple questions. Older children and young people may prefer open-ended questions and discussion-based approaches.

Examples include:

• Pictures or drawings to express feelings
• Short, clear sentences for younger children
• Group discussions for teenagers
• Digital surveys for older age groups who are comfortable with technology

Matching the method to the individual increases the accuracy of the feedback.

Listening Skills

Listening actively is important when obtaining views. This means giving full attention, showing interest and responding appropriately. Effective listening involves more than hearing words – it is about understanding meaning, emotion and context.

Ways to show active listening include:

• Maintaining eye contact when appropriate
• Nodding or using short verbal confirmations
• Reflecting back what has been said to check understanding
• Avoiding interruptions unless necessary for clarity

Listening well builds trust and encourages more open responses.

Simple and Clear Questioning

Workers should use clear and simple questions that are easy to understand. Complicated wording can confuse or discourage participation. Questions should focus on one point at a time.

Types of questions:

• Open questions to encourage explanation e.g. “How do you feel about…?”
• Closed questions for simple answers e.g. “Did you like this activity?”
• Multiple choice options for clarity and ease

Repeating questions in different ways can help check consistency of responses.

Using Observation

Observation is a useful method for younger children or those who may struggle to express views verbally. Watching body language, facial expressions and behaviour can give clues to feelings and preferences.

Observation can be:

• During play activities
• While interacting with peers
• In everyday routines

Recording observations should follow organisational procedures for confidentiality and accuracy.

Creative Expression Methods

Some children and young people express themselves better through creative means rather than direct conversation. Workers can use art, drama, music or role play. These methods encourage expression in a non-threatening way.

Examples:

• Drawing pictures of favourite activities
• Acting out situations to show feelings
• Using music to express mood
• Building models or using toys to represent ideas

These methods can also be adapted for children with communication difficulties.

Group Feedback Approach

Group activities can help gather views while encouraging peer support. Group discussions, workshops or class projects create an opportunity for shared opinions.

Benefits:

• Children feel supported by peers
• Different perspectives can spark discussion
• Workers can observe interaction and group agreement

Group sessions need careful facilitation to ensure no one dominates or intimidates others.

Involving Carers

Carers play a vital role in giving views about the child or young person. They can share observations, concerns and suggestions from their daily contact. Workers should involve carers in decision-making whenever appropriate.

Methods include:

• Face-to-face meetings
• Phone interviews
• Written questionnaires
• Informal chats during visits or pick-up time

Respect for the carer’s knowledge and experience encourages cooperation.

Formal Feedback Tools

Structured tools can be useful for recording and analysing views. Surveys, questionnaires and feedback forms work well for carers and older young people. For younger children, tools may need adaptation with pictures or symbols.

Benefits:

• Provides measurable data
• Allows comparison over time
• Records views for organisational planning

Workers should check that questions are relevant and not overly long.

Digital and Online Methods

Older young people and some carers may prefer giving views via email, messaging, or online surveys. These methods can be convenient and may encourage honesty in responses.

Points to consider:

• Maintaining confidentiality and data security
• Ensuring accessibility for those without digital access
• Using secure platforms approved by the organisation

Online feedback can be part of a balanced approach alongside face-to-face methods.

Adapting for Special Needs

Children, young people and carers with disabilities may need specific methods for communication. This can include sign language, braille, adapted technology, or support from a communication partner.

Workers must match the method to the abilities and preferences of the individual.

Examples:

• Using visual supports and symbols for non-verbal children
• Providing translation services for carers with limited English
• Using tactile resources for visually impaired individuals

Confidentiality and Trust

People are more willing to give honest views when they trust that information will remain confidential. Workers must explain how feedback will be used and who will see it. This transparency reduces fear of negative consequences.

Trust can be built by:

• Respecting privacy
• Avoiding gossip or sharing without permission
• Keeping promises on how information is handled

Confidentiality is a legal requirement under the Data Protection Act 2018.

Recording and Using Views

Recording views accurately is important. Notes should reflect the person’s actual words where possible. Interpretation should be kept separate. Workers should follow organisational procedures for storing and using feedback.

Views can be used to:

• Improve service delivery
• Adapt activities and care plans
• Support advocacy for the child or young person
• Inform policy and practice within the organisation

Feedback must be acted upon to show respect for the input given.

Overcoming Barriers to Obtaining Views

Barriers can prevent people from expressing opinions. These may include language differences, lack of confidence, fear of reprisals, or disability.

Workers can address barriers by:

• Providing interpreters
• Offering reassurance and encouragement
• Giving extra time for responses
• Using alternative communication methods

Persistence and sensitivity can help overcome reluctance.

Encouraging Continued Participation

Obtaining views should not be a one-off event. Continuing to gather feedback builds a culture of participation. This means seeking views during planning, implementation and review stages.

Ways to encourage ongoing participation:

• Regular feedback sessions
• Updating individuals on changes made from their input
• Offering varied methods to suit different preferences
• Recognising contributions and showing appreciation

Involving people in a consistent way strengthens relationships and improves outcomes.

Respecting Diversity

Workers must respect cultural, religious and personal differences when obtaining views. This affects communication style, question wording and interpretation of responses.

Practical steps:

• Researching cultural backgrounds
• Avoiding assumptions based on stereotypes
• Using inclusive language
• Adjusting methods to suit cultural norms

This ensures feedback is authentic and respects the values of the individuals involved.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining the views of children, young people and carers is a purposeful task that requires skill, patience and respect. By matching methods to individual needs, creating safe environments and building trust, workers can gain honest and meaningful feedback.

Listening and acting on these views benefits everyone. It improves services, builds stronger relationships and supports positive outcomes. Children, young people and carers feel valued and heard. Workers gain information that helps shape practice and meet needs more effectively.

By embedding this approach into everyday work, the voice of the child, young person and their carer becomes central to decision-making and service delivery.