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16/09/2005
Report on playschool experiences gives children a voice
Children in playgroups across Northern Ireland have been given the chance to have their voices heard for the first time.
A study carried out by the Department of Health listened to the views of three to four-year-old children in playgroups.
The report 'Giving Children a Voice' aimed to find out what very young children thought about their experiences so that this information could be used to inform childcare policy and practice in Northern Ireland.
Health Minister, Shaun Woodward said: "All too often, studies of this sort focus on the views of adults and their own perceptions of childcare. There has been a serious neglect of the major stakeholders - the children themselves.
"Considerable research has been carried out in other countries to access the views of children rather than rely on second hand accounts from adults. These studies have found there is a great deal to be gained from entering the child's world and trying to understand their version of reality.
"By giving children access to digital cameras and using methods such as child puppet interviews, children as young as three were able to capture their experiences and talk openly about their likes and dislikes in playschools. Adults too learnt a lot about how they should communicate with children to ensure their playschool experience is a rewarding and happy one."
'Giving Children a Voice' is a DHSSPS funded project which began in April 2004 for six months. A total of 84 children were chosen from 14 randomly selected playgroups throughout Northern Ireland for the process.
(MB/SP)
A study carried out by the Department of Health listened to the views of three to four-year-old children in playgroups.
The report 'Giving Children a Voice' aimed to find out what very young children thought about their experiences so that this information could be used to inform childcare policy and practice in Northern Ireland.
Health Minister, Shaun Woodward said: "All too often, studies of this sort focus on the views of adults and their own perceptions of childcare. There has been a serious neglect of the major stakeholders - the children themselves.
"Considerable research has been carried out in other countries to access the views of children rather than rely on second hand accounts from adults. These studies have found there is a great deal to be gained from entering the child's world and trying to understand their version of reality.
"By giving children access to digital cameras and using methods such as child puppet interviews, children as young as three were able to capture their experiences and talk openly about their likes and dislikes in playschools. Adults too learnt a lot about how they should communicate with children to ensure their playschool experience is a rewarding and happy one."
'Giving Children a Voice' is a DHSSPS funded project which began in April 2004 for six months. A total of 84 children were chosen from 14 randomly selected playgroups throughout Northern Ireland for the process.
(MB/SP)
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