3.2 Child-Centred Approaches in Early Years Practice

Explore how child-centred practice puts each child’s needs, interests, abilities and voice at the heart of early years planning and decision-making. This lesson explains the four key principles: respecting individuality, encouraging children’s participation, focusing on strengths and potential, and supporting holistic development. You’ll see how physical, emotional, cognitive and social development are connected, and how inclusive, equitable support can help every child take part. The lesson also covers observation, assessment and the observe–plan–adapt–review cycle, showing how practitioners can use children’s interests to shape meaningful learning experiences. It considers age-appropriate ways to involve children in choices, including visual prompts and simple voting, as well as the importance of flexible planning and following a child’s lead. Finally, learn why working in partnership with families gives practitioners a fuller understanding of each child and helps create consistency between home and the early years setting. Read the related CMS Vocational Training guide: https://cmsvoc.co.uk/blog/early-years... Chapters 00:00 What child-centred practice means 01:05 Principles and benefits of the approach 02:24 Inclusion, equity and observation 03:13 The observe–plan–adapt–review cycle 03:57 Children’s voice and participation 04:40 Flexible planning and following the child’s lead 05:16 Working with families and reflecting on practice 05:51 Child-centred practice as a professional mindset