Learning from Pupils’ Perspectives

Although the ‘voice of the child’ is being stressed more and more in legislation and general debate the principle does not yet seem to be widely translated into practice. Dr Paul Cooper, lecturer and research officer, Oxford University Department of Educational Studies, has added to practice with his study of pupils' views in two residential schools for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. He suggests that the elements of their schooling which are most valued by the pupils are respite, relationships and opportunities.