Every child has a unique and important voice that we believe needs to be heard and understood, which is why we are thrilled to announce that Diverse Academies will be taking part in an action research project to explore the ways in which we gather information about pupil voice.
The focus of the research – which will be delivered and funded through the University of Derby and National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN) – is to develop how we work with and listen to the children in our academies, specifically those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and how we can effectively collect their ‘voice’.
The initial research phase be carried out this academic year at Bracken Lane Primary Academy, Thrumpton Primary Academy and Tuxford Primary Academy, and led by Diverse Academies staff Sally Truseler, Rachael Cottam, Vicky Allcock and Helen Crampton. The team will look into how we gather information on pupil voice and how we can use this information to help make an impact on learning, mental health and wellbeing.
Sally Truseler, Diverse Academies strategic development lead for SEND, said: “As a Trust, we believe it is crucial that we have a consistent approach to how we collect pupil voice and effectively use this insight to best support the children and young people in our academies.
“We want children and young people with SEND to be able to communicate effectively and to grow and learn in an academic setting that supports their needs and development. Our research team plans to use this insight to provide a meaningful contribution to the planning and delivery of the curriculum, taking into deep consideration pupils with SEND.”
The research findings will enable the development of a clear approach to getting the best out of pupil voice, which will ultimately be shared across all academies within the Trust to help create brighter future for all our children and young people.
