One Page Profiles.  #1PPin2015

1ppWhen we asked families recently about their use or knowledge of one page profiles, there was some real confusion and frustration. Families asked what they were, how to create one, what they should be used for and also what was their role in the SEN reforms?

Some families are cynical and think that perhaps this is another thing for them to have to think about, without any clarity as to what difference it is going to make to their families.  However, as families who use one page profiles, we know and can see the benefits when they are used properly but also, we know how important it is that they are produced properly.

What is a One Page Profile?

A one page profile is a summary of what matters to the young person and how to support them well.   A one page profile has just three sections.

  • Appreciation (what we like and admire about the person)
  • Important To (what is important to the person)
  • How to best support the person

What is their purpose?

  • They are a way for the young person to have a voice in how they are supported,
  • They are a way for the young person to have their strengths acknowledged and appreciated.  This raises self esteem and confidence.
  • They also show what is important to them as an individual acknowledged.
  • One page profiles are also a way for parents/carers to share their knowledge and expertise on how best to support their child.
  • One page profiles capture important information to enable teachers to personalise learning for each young person. This information enables teachers to be aware of the strengths, interests and specific support needs of their pupils.
  • One page profiles can also be used for other activities, such as youth clubs, for transport, for grandparents or carers.
  • One page profiles can be used to inform action planning and target setting, so that these reflect what is important to the young person and how best to support them. This can make targets more meaningful and relevant to the young person.
  • They are a way to share information between staff, for example when supply teachers have to cover a class, and to create a smooth transition from one class to another by giving the new teacher strategies to get the best out of each and every pupil. This is really useful in building up positive relationships, as the teacher has a prior knowledge of interests and strengths.
  • One page profiles grow and develop over the school year and can be the basis for more detailed person centred plans.

Is a one page profile the same as Section A of the EHC Plan?

There is some confusion about the differences between Section A of the new Education, Health and Care Plans and a one page profile.

Having a one page profile attached to the new Education, Health and Care Plan will provide a great foundation for children, families and their school to ensure EHC Plans are produced using a person-centred approach but a one page profile is not a legally enforceable document.

A one page profile tells us about the child or young person as an individual.  It is a simple way to start personalising education. It is a person-centred thinking tool that provides a way to capture who each pupil is and how best to support them – as far as is possible on one page.

Section A of the new Education, Health and Care Plans is to record “the views, interests and aspirations of the child and his or her parents or the young person.”  This should include:

  • Details about the child or young person’s aspirations and goals for the future (but not details of outcomes to be achieved).
  • Details about play, health, schooling, independence, friendships, further education and future plans including employment (where practical).
  • A summary of how to communicate with the child or young person and engage them in decision-making.
  • The child or young person’s history.
  • If written in the first person, the plan should make clear whether the child or young person is being quoted directly, or if the views of parents or professionals are being represented.

Section A is not a one page profile.  There are many similar aspects (e.g. how to communicate, engage in decision making, friendships, play, etc) which has lead to this confusion.  However, any school using a truly person-centred approach for their children and young people will know (or see) the potential and benefits of using One Page Profiles for all children.  One page profiles are not just for children with EHC Plans, they are useful for all children.

How to create a One Page Profile

This was the area that seemed to be the most daunting for families.  Many of those who responded to us said they had heard of them, thought they were a good idea but were not sure how to produce one.  Or they didn’t seem to have the time to develop one or where to start.  There was also a lack of clarity between what was important to and what was important for our children.

So how can Bringing Us Together help?

Starting in November, we will be launching a new campaign #1PPin2015.  This campaign will support families to understand what a one page profile is, how to produce their own and how to get them introduced into their school in 2015.  As parents ourselves, we know how manic our lives are, especially in the run up to Christmas, so to help you to have a #1PPin2015, we have broken it down into manageable chunks.

  • In week 1, we will look at the Appreciation section of the 1PP.
  • In week 2, we will look at the Important To section; and
  • In week 3, we will look at the How to Support section.
  • In week 4, we will look at how you can get your 1PP into your school
  • In week 5, we will share some inspirational stories from families using 1PP
  • In week 6, we will do a review of everything.

Each week, we will produce a blog post, an A4 sheet to download and Helen Sanderson Associates (who are supporting this campaign) will be providing us with a video covering the different aspects of a one page profile. We will be sharing tips, resources and hopefully inspiring families to have a go.

In addition to weekly posts, downloads and videos, we are also providing families with the chance to ask individual questions via our site (either as a chat event or on an ad-hoc basis via our “submit a question”).

Which would you prefer?

Which option would you prefer?

View Results

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Debs Aspland

Mum to three great kids, each with a different SEN. Transplanted from the NW to the SE. Co-founder and Director of Bringing Us Together

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1 Response

  1. December 16, 2015

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