2.3. Describe how to create a positive environment which will support the development of young children

This. guide will help you answer 2.3. Describe how to create a positive environment which will support the development of young children.

A positive environment supports every part of a young child’s growth. This includes their physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. As a practitioner, you have a direct impact on how children feel and what they learn through the surroundings you create.

An environment is not just about the physical space or resources. It also includes the atmosphere, relationships and routines. When these aspects work together, they help children feel safe, valued and motivated to explore and learn.

In this guide, we cover how to create a positive environment that supports young children across different areas of development.

Physical Environment

The physical space should be comfortable, safe and suited to the needs of the children using it. It should allow them to move freely, explore and make choices. This supports independence and confidence.

Key points for a positive physical environment:

• Keep all areas clean and tidy to reduce hazards
• Use equipment and furniture that suits the age and size of the children
• Provide spaces where children can play alone, in small groups or with the whole group
• Arrange resources so that children can see and reach them on their own
• Plan the space to support different activities such as quiet reading, creative play or physical movement

Natural light and fresh air help children feel more relaxed and alert. Soft, calm colours on the walls can make the space feel welcoming. Displaying children’s work on the walls helps them feel proud of their efforts and encourages self-esteem.

Safety and Security

Children learn best when they feel safe. This means physical safety, but also emotional safety. Physical safety involves regular checks of the space and equipment, and quick action to remove hazards.

Examples include:

• Checking outdoor play equipment for damage
• Making sure floors are free from obstacles that could cause falls
• Using outlet covers to prevent electrical accidents
• Storing cleaning products and sharp tools well out of reach

Emotional safety means building a calm and respectful atmosphere. Children should know that staff care about them and will listen to their concerns. Establishing clear but fair rules helps children understand what behaviour is acceptable.

Relationships and Communication

Positive relationships form the heart of a supportive environment. Young children respond well to warmth and encouragement from adults. They need trusted adults who value their opinions and feelings.

Staff should:

• Listen carefully to what children say
• Give praise for effort and achievement
• Speak with kindness and patience
• Model respectful behaviour towards others
• Learn each child’s name and use it

Consistent communication builds trust. When children trust adults, they are more willing to take part in new activities, ask for help and try more challenging tasks.

Inclusive Practice

A positive environment welcomes every child, regardless of background, ability or needs. This means recognising and respecting differences. Resources, activities and displays should reflect a variety of cultures, languages and experiences.

Ways to promote inclusion:

• Use books and toys that show diverse families, ethnicities and abilities
• Learn simple words from a child’s home language to support communication
• Provide alternative ways to take part in activities so children with different abilities can join in
• Adapt rules and routines when needed to suit individual needs

Inclusion helps all children feel that they belong. It builds respect between children and supports their social growth.

Routines and Consistency

Predictable routines make children feel secure. A positive environment has a clear daily pattern while allowing flexibility when needed.

Routines might cover:

• Arrival and departure times
• Meal and snack times
• Group activities and quiet time
• Outdoor play

Consistent routines help children understand what will happen next. This reduces anxiety and supports self-control. Over time, routines help children develop independence as they learn when and how to do certain tasks without being prompted.

Encouraging Independence

A positive environment encourages children to try things for themselves. This means giving them opportunities to make choices and take on small responsibilities.

Examples:

• Letting a child choose between two activities
• Encouraging them to pour their own drink or serve their own food
• Asking them to tidy away toys after use
• Giving them the role of helping hand for the day

Independence boosts confidence and problem-solving skills. It helps children learn that they can manage tasks and cope with challenges.

Stimulating Resources

Resources should match the children’s age and interests. They should help children develop skills across all areas, from fine and gross motor skills to language and social interaction.

Good resource planning includes:

• A mix of open-ended resources like blocks and art supplies that allow children to use imagination
• Books to support language development
• Materials for sensory play, such as sand, water or play dough
• Role play items, like dress-up clothes, to build social skills and creativity
• Musical instruments to encourage rhythm and listening skills

Rotate resources regularly to keep interest high. Introduce new materials slowly so that children learn how to use them.

Emotional Support

Children develop best when they feel understood and supported emotionally. Practitioners should be aware of signs of distress, frustration or shyness and respond with empathy. This means noticing how children are feeling and offering comfort or guidance.

Offering emotional support could include:

• Sitting beside a child during a challenging task
• Giving reassurance if they are upset or worried
• Using calming activities, such as reading or drawing together
• Acknowledging their feelings without judgement

When children feel supported, they are more confident to try new things and build resilience.

Encouraging Positive Behaviour

In a well-planned environment, good behaviour is encouraged through praise, guidance and consistent boundaries. Encourage children to think about how their actions affect others.

Positive behavioural strategies:

• Praise the child for making a kind choice
• Use clear and simple rules
• Redirect unwanted behaviour towards a more positive activity
• Offer choices so children feel respected

Behaviour guidance should focus on teaching rather than punishing. This supports the development of self-control and empathy.

Partnership with Families

Families are a key part of a child’s environment. Maintaining respectful communication with parents and carers helps to create continuity between home and the childcare setting.

Effective family involvement includes:

• Informing parents about activities and progress
• Listening to concerns and ideas from families
• Sharing strategies that can work both at home and in the setting
• Inviting families to take part in special events or projects

When families feel involved, children benefit from consistent support across all areas of their life.

Outdoor Play and Nature

Access to outdoor play is important for young children. It supports physical development, creativity and social skills.

Features of positive outdoor environments:

• Safe, enclosed spaces for play
• A variety of equipment for climbing, balancing and running
• Natural areas such as gardens, trees or sand pits
• Opportunities to explore nature, such as collecting leaves or planting seeds

Outdoor play helps children learn about the world around them. It encourages active movement, which aids physical health and mental wellbeing.

Sensory Experience

A positive environment should stimulate the senses in appropriate ways. Sensory experiences can be part of everyday play and help children learn through exploration.

Ideas for sensory play:

• Water tables with cups, funnels and boats
• Sand play with scoops, moulds and small toys
• Painting and collage with different textures
• Music sessions with various instruments or sound-making objects

Sensory activities aid brain development and help children process information from the world around them.

Final Thoughts

Creating a positive environment for young children is ongoing work. It means paying attention to the physical space, safety, relationships and activities every day. It is about providing comfort, challenge and respect all at once.

When children feel valued and safe, they are more open to learning and building friendships. A supportive environment gives them the chance to practise skills, explore ideas and develop confidence. With thoughtful planning and genuine care, you can help them reach their potential in every area of their development.