Alongside existing legislation, in recent years there has also been a focus within SEND education around gaining pupil voice, so children and young people can have a say in factors that affect their lives.
Below are links to policies that outline the importance of pupil voice that you may want to review and refer to within your AAC policy.
In 2001, the SEN Code of Practice proposed the concept of 'pupil participation’.
The Children and Families Act 2014 (Part 3; Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities) further consolidated this.
In 2014 the Revised SEND Code of Practice stated that local authorities must ensure that children, their parents and young people are involved in discussions and decisions about their individual support and about local provision.
The Green paper from the SEND Review 2022 highlights the importance of co-production.
Without the use of AAC how can we gain pupil voice from learners with more complex speech, language and communication needs (SLCN)? AAC is a tool for learners to exercise some control over their lives and should be given due weight.