Annual Reviews can be an intimidating experience for some children and young people as they are sometimes asked to express their views in a room full of adults. It can be helpful to ensure that the child/ young person's views are gathered well in advance of the meeting, perhaps over several weeks, to ensure their participation is meaningful.

Children and young people may prefer to be supported by a key adult or a trusted member of staff in articulating their ideas, and they may also wish to be supported by their key adult in the review meeting, for moral support. Alternatively, children and young people may wish to prepare a video or PowerPoint to share their views or to ask a trusted adult to share their views on their behalf without the need to attend the review meeting in person.

See 'Tools and Resources for Gathering Children and Young People’s Views' for ideas.

The booklet linked in the 'related files' section can also support children and young people to understand the Annual Review process and share their views.

Following the Annual Review, arrange a time for a supportive adult to talk through the meeting with the child/young person, to answer queries, or to share/explain the actions and agreed next steps.

Further information about Annual Reviews can be found in the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) section, and also in the parent/carer and children and young people areas of the toolkit.