Nursery World - Always time for listening

By Joan Norris, director of High/Scope UK Over the past months I have read of a number of initiatives concerned with listening to and consulting with children. Although this important aspect of the work of early years practitioners has been given the prominence it deserves, I am concerned that it may be seen as a 'bolt-on' to the daily work with children, rather than embedded in the way adults interact with children. Listening is something that should happen all of the time, not just some of the time.

Over the past months I have read of a number of initiatives concerned with listening to and consulting with children. Although this important aspect of the work of early years practitioners has been given the prominence it deserves, I am concerned that it may be seen as a 'bolt-on' to the daily work with children, rather than embedded in the way adults interact with children. Listening is something that should happen all of the time, not just some of the time.

It requires an approach that gives children opportunities to talk about events that are relevant to them or have meaning to their experience within the setting. The recent refurbishment of a nursery in Bristol was the subject of consultation with the children and staff. The children could see the purpose of the discussion and eventually the result of their ideas and suggestions.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included