Top Tips for Support Planning Meetings

Here are our top tips if you are attending your Support Planning Meeting:

1. Make yourself comfortable

   
   The adults who have organised your Planning Support Meeting should let you sit where you want and next to whoever you want.
   
   If you are joining the meeting online on a video call you can be on screen if you want to. But, if you feel more comfortable with your camera off then that is fine. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking, you can also mute your microphone. Instead, you can use the chat function to type the things that you would like to say.
   
   
   
   

2. Ask questions

   
   If you are unsure about something, don’t be afraid to ask. The adults in your Support Planning Meeting should avoid using big words and ‘abbreviations’ or ‘acronyms’. This is when people shorten what they say and assume other people know what they mean. It’s a bit like when messaging and people say “IKR” , but they really mean “I know, right?”.
   
   It is important that you understand what people are saying. The adults there should do everything they can to help make sure you do.
   
   
   
   

3. Feeling put on the spot

   
   What if you have something you’d like to share, but feel put on the spot during a Support Planning Meeting? Well, there are other ways you can share what you think!
   
   For example, you can ask to speak to someone you feel comfortable with on a 1-1 basis before or after the meeting. This could be an opportunity to share what you think with them. That person can then take what you’ve told them to the Support Planning Meeting on your behalf.
   
   You can also write down what you think and give this to the person who is organising the meeting. This can be a good idea if you don’t feel comfortable speaking to anyone, but still want to have your say.
   
   
   
   

4. Feeling worried about “saying the wrong thing” or upsetting someone

   
   When it comes to sharing your opinion about your support, there is no such thing as the wrong thing to say. Your opinions are valid and they are about how you feel. The adults at your Support Planning Meeting should take what you say seriously and encourage you to share your views.
   
   If you are worried about sharing how you feel because of what someone else in the meeting (like a family member or teacher) might think, you have other options.
   
   It’s natural to feel uncomfortable when asked certain questions. This can make you feel like you’re in an awkward situation. You don’t have to answer any questions that you don’t want to.
   
   You may feel more comfortable answering some questions outside of your Support Planning Meetings with an adult you trust. If so, then you should get the chance to do this.