1.3 Explain why it is important to involve children in decision making

This. guide will help you answer 1.3 Explain why it is important to involve children in decision making.

In a playwork setting, children benefit in many ways when they are actively involved in decisions that affect them. This means giving them genuine opportunities to share their views, express choices and influence what happens in their play environment. It is not just about asking them questions, but about listening and acting on their ideas in a respectful way.

When children help shape their play experiences, they learn that their opinions matter. It also builds a sense of community where everyone feels valued. Involving them supports their development and makes the play setting more engaging and supportive for all.

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

When children are invited to make decisions, it boosts their confidence. They start to believe in their own abilities and judgements. This is especially important in early years and playwork, where children are forming their sense of self.

Making choices helps them practise expressing their ideas clearly. They learn that their input can lead to real outcomes, which builds self-esteem. Over time, they become more willing to take part in group discussions and activities because they trust that their voice is heard.

Developing Decision-Making Skills

Children learn how to make decisions by actually doing it. In a play setting, this might mean choosing which games to play, what materials to use, or how to arrange spaces.

Through this process, they begin to understand concepts like consequence and responsibility. For example, if they choose to use certain equipment, they learn how to use it safely and look after it. These skills stay with them as they grow and will help them in other areas of life.

Encouraging Independence

Allowing children to be part of the decision-making process encourages them to think for themselves. They start to consider different options and choose what feels right for them. This supports the development of independence.

Independence does not mean children do everything alone. It means they have the freedom to voice preferences and take part in shaping their play. This autonomy improves their problem-solving skills and helps them develop trust in their own judgement.

Respecting Children’s Rights

In the UK, children have the right to be heard in matters that affect them. This principle is in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Playwork professionals have a responsibility to respect these rights.

By involving children, workers show respect for their dignity. It demonstrates that children are valued participants, not passive recipients of play provision. This approach supports equality and fairness in the setting.

Promoting Inclusion

When children are included in decision making, it helps make sure that activities and environments meet their needs. Different children may have different preferences, abilities, or interests. Listening to them means the play setting can be adjusted to suit a range of needs.

This can reduce barriers to participation. For example, if a child says they prefer quiet spaces, staff can make sure there is a calm area available. If another asks for a more active game, this can be planned. This inclusive approach benefits everyone in the group.

Strengthening Relationships Between Adults and Children

Decision making together is a way to build trust between staff and children. When children see that adults value their ideas, they feel respected. This trust makes them more open to sharing thoughts and feelings.

It changes the dynamic from adult-led control to a shared approach. Children learn that adults are allies who help create a positive play environment together with them.

Enhancing Engagement and Motivation

Children are more motivated to take part in play when they help plan or choose elements of it. If they are part of the process, they feel ownership over the outcome.

This is true whether choosing an activity or setting rules for safe play. When they have a say, they are more likely to follow agreed rules and stay committed to the activity. This leads to richer and more meaningful play sessions.

Developing Communication Skills

Talking through decisions helps children practise listening and speaking skills. They learn how to explain ideas, negotiate with others, and respect different viewpoints.

These conversations may include:

• Suggesting ideas for games
• Explaining why they prefer a certain activity
• Agreeing on shared rules for play spaces

These exchanges improve their ability to work with others, an important life skill that carries beyond the play setting.

Learning Responsibility

With decision making comes responsibility. Children begin to understand that their choices can impact themselves and others.

For example:

• Choosing materials means helping tidy up afterwards
• Selecting an outdoor game means thinking about safety rules
• Planning a themed play session means helping prepare resources

This gives them a sense of accountability and helps them understand community values within the play space.

Supporting Emotional Development

Being able to make choices and express preferences is linked to positive emotional health. It allows children to feel respected and gives them a safe outlet for their feelings.

They learn that it is acceptable to have different opinions from others. They start to manage feelings like disappointment when their ideas are not chosen, and pride when they see their ideas in action. This emotional resilience supports their wellbeing.

Encouraging Creativity

Children’s creativity thrives when they can influence their play experiences. Decision making lets them explore unique ideas and shapes the space around them in imaginative ways.

For example:

• Suggesting new ways to use familiar equipment
• Inventing rules for a new game
• Deciding how to decorate an area for a special event

This creativity is valuable not just for play, but for learning problem-solving skills and encouraging innovation in daily life.

Supporting Peer Relationships

When children make decisions together, they practise teamwork and cooperation. They learn to compromise and respect different viewpoints.

This can be seen when children work in small groups to plan an activity. They have to combine ideas and agree on a final plan. These experiences build empathy and help children handle disagreements constructively.

Giving a Sense of Control

Play settings can sometimes feel adult-controlled. Giving children the power to make decisions breaks this pattern. It helps them feel more in control of their lives.

This sense of control can be important for children who may have limited autonomy elsewhere. It can help them feel safe, secure, and respected in the play space.

Linking Decision Making to Playwork Principles

Playwork principles highlight the importance of play being freely chosen, personally directed, and intrinsically motivated. Involving children in decisions supports these principles directly.

When children help decide what happens in play, the play remains their own. Adults act as facilitators rather than directors. This keeps the play authentic and led by the child’s needs and interests.

Practical Ways to Involve Children in Decisions

There are many methods you can use in a playwork setting to involve children:

• Group discussions before starting activities
• Voting on choices (e.g. which game to play)
• Suggestion boxes for anonymous ideas
• Planning boards where children can post ideas
• Rotating leadership roles in games

These methods adapt to different ages and abilities, so all children can participate meaningfully.

Overcoming Challenges

Involving children is not without obstacles. There can be disagreements or unrealistic ideas. The role of the playworker is to guide children through these challenges without taking away their right to input.

This guidance can include helping them think about practical limits, discussing safety, or finding compromise solutions. The process itself can become a learning opportunity.

Supporting Different Ages and Development Levels

Younger children may need more support in understanding choices, while older children can handle complex decisions. Adjusting your approach according to age and maturity helps all children feel included.

For example, with toddlers you might offer two safe options and let them pick. With older children you could organise discussions where they make group plans. This allows every child to take part in a way that fits their stage of development.

Encouraging Reflection

After decisions have been made and activities have taken place, it is useful to encourage children to reflect. This helps them see the link between decisions and outcomes.

You might ask:

• How did you feel about your choice?
• What went well?
• What would you change next time?

This reflection deepens learning and helps children make better decisions in the future.

Final Thoughts

Involving children in decision making in playwork settings is about respect, empowerment, and meaningful participation. It gives them a voice in their own play and teaches valuable life skills. Confidence, communication, independence and creativity all grow when children are active participants rather than passive receivers.

When you invite children to share their ideas, you show them they matter. They know they are listened to, and they see results from their contributions. This builds a positive play environment where children and adults work together, leading to more engaging, supportive, and inclusive experiences for everyone involved.