But there is still the misconception that younger children, especially under-fives, aren't able to offer their opinion - and if they do, it won't be informed enough to be valid. But with more and more young children within childcare settings, it is crucial we actively listen to their needs by providing the right mechanisms to enable them to both understand and communicate their opinions.
The Sunshine Centre in Oxfordshire strives to give each of its children as much choice as possible. They are given the lead to play and learn at the pace and style they choose with the freedom to select activities they prefer. There is also a "listening tree" where under-fives sit and make both individual and group decisions. Children can also use toy people to express their views, are invited to suggest food for a choice-led menu and, from 18 months, evaluate all activities using discussion and questionnaires.
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