A parent or guardian may manage a MIPACE profile for a child, but the information is still about that child. The best setup process combines adult responsibility with the child’s preferences, voice and growing independence.
Begin with what helps
Talk about situations in which another adult might need to understand them. Ask what they would want that person to know. Depending on the child, this could be a conversation, a choice between examples, pictures or observations gathered over time.
Use respectful first-person wording
Where it feels natural, write as the child: “I understand more than I can say” or “Please tell me before touching my belongings.” Avoid language that defines the child only by difficulty or diagnosis. Specific instructions are usually more helpful than labels.
Decide together what is public
Explain that tapping or scanning an active device can open the public profile without somebody signing in. Choose information accordingly. A child may have strong views about photographs, preferred names or what classmates should not see. Adults remain responsible for safety, but privacy deserves genuine consideration.
Let the profile grow with them
Communication, independence, contacts and routines change. Schedule a review around birthdays, a change of school, new activities or a change in support. As the child matures, increase their involvement and remove wording that no longer represents them.
Please note: MIPACE supports access to information. It does not provide medical advice, replace professional assessment, emergency services, safeguarding procedures or the safety arrangements appropriate to an activity or setting.