Learners and families are diverse, living in a wide range of circumstances and environments. Therefore, a range of approaches and resources should be available to ensure that their meaningful participation is equitable and possible at every stage of the education system. Modern ICT offers great potential for significant change in the ways diverse voices may be heard in education. Policy-makers can use different models as a basis for designing participation at all stages of policy and practice, with points for reflection and discussion, as well as practical considerations and guidance.

When including the voices of learners and their families in educational decision-making, it is essential not to make assumptions about people who seem to belong to one ‘group’. Although focusing on the voices of one marginalised group may be necessary, it is also important to consider that a group of learners or families who share a characteristic or ‘label’ may still have different experiences and views they wish to convey. Thus, policy-makers must consider the multiple identities and contexts of learners and families and how these intersect and have an impact on views and opinions.

Policy-makers are encouraged to work collaboratively with professionals in schools and from communities to identify and enable the voices of those in diverse marginalised groups to be heard and included. They should also recognise the interdependence between young people and adults and acknowledge the important role families play in developing and affirming learners’ voices in educational matters.

While there is some learner and family participation at school or class levels, the evidence shows their participation at policy level is limited. Participation at this level must be genuine and not tokenistic. It should actively include the many individuals who have not yet been able to influence policy-level decisions that affect them, their peers, their schools and their communities.

Meaningful participation means recognising and including learner and family voices as equal and integral to discussions across all system levels. This involves ensuring active agency and shared power to initiate ideas and influence decisions.