Children thrive in an environment that fosters independence. Having the opportunity to do things for themselves encourages them to be confident and autonomous learners, and being independent gives children a strong sense of self-esteem.
The right adult support is essential to fostering independence in a child, but it requires the right resources too. Linda Keats, graduate training adviser, Early Years and Childcare, Essex, explains, 'I have been to many settings where I've seen beautiful resources and equipment, but the children can't access them without the help of an adult, so there is no free choice. This squashes children's independence. It is all about having resources accessible, at a low level and in containers that children can easily open.'
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