Ask the Expert: Involving young children

How can I give children more of a voice in the nursery?

Research supports the encouragement of children to learn responsibility by helping them take more decisions. Many nurseries have group times where children are invited to share their ideas. 

Some nurseries use this format to help children identify rules to minimise things the children dislike happening. One of the most successful elements of the London Early Years Foundation curriculum is the planning meetings led by the children, where they identify their areas of interest and what they would like to happen during the week. 

Building decision making into the weekly routine is a reliable means of stretching children and giving them the language and ability to consider and reflect on what is happening.

Other activities that encourage children to make decisions include going shopping for food and then preparing it in a cooking activity, picnic or tea time. 

Think broadly about supporting children to be decision makers, as the benefits to them becoming confident learners are immense.

Answered by June O'Sullivan, chief executive of the childcare charity and social enterprise, the London Early Years Foundation