Fiducia TogetherPupil voice
The child's own views. Required in SEND decisions, and often collected as a formality.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
Pupil voice is the participation of children and young people in decisions about them — their views on their education, support and future.
Where it applies
All pupils. In SEND it is a legal requirement: the Children and Families Act 2014 requires the views, wishes and feelings of the child and their parents to be considered.
How it works
For an EHCP, the child's views form Section A and should shape the plan rather than decorate it. From 16 the young person, not the parent, holds the rights — including the right to appeal.
Collecting views well takes adjustment: some children cannot answer an open question in a meeting and can answer with pictures, a familiar adult, or over time.
What you can ask for
Ask how your child's views were gathered, not just whether they were. A form completed in five minutes with a stranger is not participation.
Ask for the young person to attend part of their annual review if they want to, on their terms.
From 16, ask what your young person wants and whether they want you to act for them — the rights transfer and that conversation is better had early.
Where to get help
SENDIASS supports children and young people directly, not only parents. Council Coram Voice for advocacy.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.