DCP-funded project on gathering feedback and measuring outcomes and change with CYP with learning disabilities has now launched

The project seeks to advance and grow 'best practice' in gathering feedback and measuring outcomes and change with children and young people with learning disabilities. 

Currently, there is no clear consensus about the best ways to measure outcomes and change, and gain meaningful feedback from children and young people with learning disabilities, their families and networks.  

Research shows children and young people with learning disabilities experience higher rates of emotional and behavioural challenges, have less access to services and are underrepresented in research.  

This project reports on what works and what gets in the way when measuring outcomes and gaining feedback for, with and from children and young people with learning disabilities, their families and networks.  

The project recognises that we need to measure outcomes and hear the voices across different levels, from individual support, service-level and communities, and across different kinds of activities.  

The project's learning is contextual and developmental rather than focusing narrowly on specialist services.

It incorporates consideration of pandemic related issues and the need for more focus and action on equalities, diversity and inclusivity, and intersectionalities. 

Rowena Rossiter, who led on the project for the DCP, said: 

"The project collaborations and learning are impressive - and richer for navigating and including impacts of the pandemic and increased attention to equalities, diversity and inclusion.   

'Inspiring', 'thought-provoking', 'empowering', 'important', 'energising' are some of the words from project workshop participants reflecting on project findings and good practice examples of measuring change and 'hearing the voice'.  

Listening to children and young people is enshrined in law (Children and Families Act) and policy (NHS Long Term Plan), and the project showcases and signposts brilliant example of practice, tools and resources.   

The varied project team collaborations and consultations have included more than 110 children, young people and adults directly, with additional networking across 20+ organisations, a multi-agency and multidisciplinary survey, literature reviews, mining national datasets and workshops and webinars, together with our energetic partners and project hosts, CORC.  

We are looking forward to wider sharing, implementation and integration into practice."  

The project materials, learning and revised guidance are now available on the CORC website.