Knowsley Council
Capturing the Voice of the Child through Early Years Practice
Giving children a voice promotes self-esteem and self-worth. By giving children a voice through choice, opinion, feelings and emotions children can develop and learn that they are important and valued. Feeling valued plays a large role in how a child learns. In order for them to play and explore, actively learn and critically think the need to feel confident in their environment and have the knowledge that their voice and way of explorations will be noted.
Investing in participation is investing in children and young people’s wellbeing. Not only can it make services and organisations more efficient and effective and therefore better able to improve children and young people’s outcomes, but the process will also have a positive impact on children’s self-esteem, confidence and skills.
The Voice of the Child (VOC) focus group began in April 2023, and started with six members from the PVI sector and was facilitated by a Quality Assurance officer. As the group has progressed the focus has become about creating a VOC definition and a tool to support and promote it in practice. Using Lundy’s model of participation a tool kit is currently being developed and disseminated across the borough.
Rebecca Atherton’s ‘alumni’ page on Edge Hill University’s website.
Knowsley Council’s offer for Children and Young People