Listening to children in their early years

Date: 24th February 2014
Category: Respect for the views of the child
Author: Enquire

A new film has been made by Enquire on listening to children and it was launched at their 2014 Annual Conference.

Made at the Jessie Porter Nursery with the Dundee Early Intervention Team, the film includes children explaining what matters to them when it comes to hearing their voices and involving and supporting them. The film also looks at how parents can be supported to help with their children's learning and development, and how a multi agency approach can benefit families.

• Watch the film here.

"Listen earnestly to anything your children want to tell you, no matter what. If you don't listen eagerly to the little stuff when they are little, they won't tell you the big stuff when they are big, because to them all of it has always been big stuff."

This quote by the author Catherine Wallace reflects perfectly the ethos of Enquire's 2014 film, which showcases good practice in using creative techniques to listen to children in their early years.

Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) ensures that a child who is capable of forming his or her own views is assured the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child. The views of the child must be given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child. This new film by Enquire highlights the importance of Article 12 in fulfilling children's rights and how Article 12 can be realised.

Enquire is the Scottish Advice Service for Additional Support for Learning. If a child needs extra help at school for any reason, Enquire can help you to understand their rights. Contact Enquire on 0845 123 2303 or visit www.enquire.org.uk to find out more.