3.4 Supporting Child-Centred Learning in Early Years Practice

Explore how early years practitioners can support child-centred learning through everyday practice. This lesson introduces five connected approaches: observing and listening to children, encouraging independence, facilitating rather than directing play, valuing child-led learning, and differentiating experiences to reflect individual development. You will see how careful observation reveals children’s interests, ideas and needs, providing evidence for responsive planning rather than guesswork. The lesson also considers how routines, free play and problem-solving opportunities help children develop independence. Learn how scaffolding gives children enough support to move forward while keeping the thinking and decision-making with them. Child-led play is shown as a meaningful context for learning across areas such as mathematics, communication and social understanding. Finally, discover how the same resource can offer different learning experiences depending on each child’s stage and needs. Together, these practices help create an environment where children are active, capable participants in their own learning and development. Read the related CMS Vocational Training guide: https://cmsvoc.co.uk/blog/early-years... Chapters 00:00 What Child-Centred Learning Means 00:54 Observing, Listening and Planning Responsively 02:12 Encouraging Independence in Everyday Practice 03:07 Facilitating Rather Than Directing 03:46 Making Learning Visible Through Child-Led Play 04:38 Differentiating Experiences for Individual Development 05:26 Bringing the Five Practices Together