Features

Coronavirus Pandemic - A child’s eye view

Children’s views of nursery after Covid-19 have been revealed at one setting in Birmingham. Dr Anita Soni and Sarah Presswood report
The children had mixed feelings about bubbles, and procedures such as handwashing
The children had mixed feelings about bubbles, and procedures such as handwashing

Since the introduction in 1989 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and in particular Article 12’s assertion that children have the right to be listened to and taken seriously, it has become more common to ask children their views and take them into account.

Recognising that children have less power than adults, but their opinions should be sought and acted upon as appropriate, was the starting point for a piece of action research undertaken by staff at Balsall Heath’s George Perkins Day Nursery in Birmingham.

As nursery manager, Sarah Presswood has worked alongside staff to keep the setting going throughout the lockdown that began in March. In normal times, about 50 children attend and 16 staff work at the Outstanding nursery, which offers full-time provision with a mixture of free-flow and small-group activities.

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