2.2 Explain the impact of a child or young person-centred approach

This guide will help you answer 2.2 Explain the impact of a child or young person-centred approach.

A child or young person-centred approach focuses on the individual needs, wishes, and views of the learner. It means placing the child at the heart of all planning, decision-making, and support. Every child is seen as unique, with their own interests, strengths, and areas for development. This approach gives priority to what is best for the child, rather than following a one-size-fits-all method of teaching or care.

This way of working encourages active participation from the child. Their voice is heard and respected. It recognises that children and young people have the right to be involved in decisions that affect them. This is linked to the principles in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which states that children have a right to express their views and to have those views considered.

Respect and Trust

When staff listen and respond to what a young person says, it builds trust. It shows the learner that they are respected and valued. Respect strengthens relationships between the child and the adults supporting them. Once trust is in place, children are more likely to share ideas, ask for help, and try new things.

Trust allows for more honest communication. Children will say how they are feeling and what they need. This means adults can offer support in a way that is positive and effective. Over time, trust can give learners a greater sense of security in school or other settings.

Supporting Self-Esteem

A child-centred approach supports self-esteem by giving learners ownership of their experiences. When their opinions are valued, they start to believe in their ability to contribute. This sense of worth can have a positive effect on their academic progress, social skills, and emotional wellbeing.

For example, letting a child choose the order of activities for a learning task can make them more motivated. Even small choices help them feel more in control. This builds confidence.

High self-esteem can reduce feelings of anxiety or frustration because learners feel they have some influence over their environment and learning.

Encouraging Independence

Being child-centred encourages independence in learners. When children are given the chance to make choices and solve problems themselves, they begin to take responsibility for their actions. This independence prepares them for life outside the classroom.

Practical ways to encourage independence include:

• Allowing them to choose which materials to use
• Asking open-ended questions that guide them to find solutions
• Giving time to think before stepping in with help
• Providing opportunities for self-assessment

Over time, this helps children to develop resilience and the ability to cope with new challenges.

Better Engagement

Learners are more likely to engage with lessons and activities when these are relevant to their interests and abilities. A child-centred approach adapts to individual learning styles. For example, some learners may respond well to visual aids, while others may prefer hands-on activities or discussions.

When learning is tailored to their needs, concentration and enthusiasm improve. Children attend more to the task and are willing to put effort into their work. Better engagement often results in improved learning outcomes.

Addressing Individual Needs

A central benefit of a child-centred approach is that it allows for recognition of individual needs. Each learner may have different strengths and areas where they need support. Understanding these differences means teaching and support can be adapted.

This can include:

• Adjusting pace of learning to suit the individual
• Using assistive technology for learners with disabilities
• Providing extra time where needed
• Offering extension work for those who learn quickly

Meeting the specific needs of each learner helps avoid frustration for those struggling and ensures stretch for those who are ready for more.

Promoting Inclusive Practice

Working in a child-centred way supports inclusion. It moves away from treating everyone in the same way, and focuses instead on giving equal opportunities for all learners to participate and succeed.

In practice, this might involve:

• Offering different ways to complete a task
• Respecting cultural or religious needs
• Making reasonable adjustments for learners with additional needs

This avoids isolating children who may otherwise feel excluded and helps create a supportive environment for all.

Developing Communication Skills

Listening to and involving children improves their communication skills. As learners express their opinions and explain their choices, they practise using language for a range of purposes.

Staff can encourage more confident communication by:

• Giving time for responses in group discussions
• Asking learners to explain their thinking
• Valuing all contributions and showing this through verbal and non-verbal signals

Improved communication helps across subjects and in social situations.

Emotional Wellbeing

When children feel listened to and supported, their emotional wellbeing improves. They are less likely to feel ignored or powerless. This can reduce stress and promote a positive attitude to learning.

A stable emotional state supports better focus in lessons. It can also reduce behavioural issues, since learners feel their needs are understood and respected.

Preparing for Future Life

A child-centred approach teaches important life skills. Making decisions, thinking critically, and reflecting on actions are skills that help in education, work, and relationships later in life.

By involving children in their own learning, they become more self-sufficient. They gain confidence to express their ideas and to take responsibility for their own progress. This has a long-term impact beyond education.

Staff Responsibility

For this approach to work, staff must observe and listen carefully. They need to adapt plans based on the child’s interests, progress, and feedback. This requires flexibility and awareness of the child’s background, abilities, and possible barriers to learning.

Staff must also work with families and other professionals to gather a complete picture of the child’s needs. This joined-up approach ensures that the child receives consistent support across different settings.

Impact on Learning Outcomes

When children are involved and interested in what they are doing, learning outcomes improve. This is not only about grades, but about overall development. A child-centred approach supports:

• Better problem-solving skills
• Greater resilience when faced with challenges
• Stronger social interaction
• Improved critical thinking

Academic progress often follows as children are more willing to take risks and try different solutions.

Building Positive Behaviour

Respecting a child’s voice and giving them some control fosters positive behaviour. When learners understand why certain rules are in place and feel their views are respected, they are more likely to follow agreed guidelines.

Children who feel included in decision-making are less likely to rebel against rules they have helped create. This gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility for their environment.

Involving Families

A child-centred approach works best when families are involved. Their input provides insights into the child’s preferences, needs, and behaviours outside the learning environment. This can help staff to plan activities that feel relevant and meaningful.

Regular communication with families builds a partnership around the child’s learning. This creates consistent support for the child at home and in the setting.

Legal and Policy Links

This approach supports rights set out in laws and guidance such as:

• The UNCRC Article 12: the right of the child to express their views
• The Children Act 1989 and 2004: placing the welfare of the child as paramount
• SEND Code of Practice: involving the child and parents in planning support

Following these principles is not just good practice, it is a requirement in education and care.

Practical Examples in the Classroom

Some examples of child-centred practice include:

• Involving pupils in setting their own learning targets
• Using individual learning plans
• Allowing choice in reading materials
• Including learner feedback in lesson planning
• Adapting tasks for different learning styles

Each of these examples shows respect for the individual learner and encourages active participation.

Ongoing Reflection

A child-centred approach is not fixed. Staff need to reflect and adapt continually. This means evaluating what works for a child and making changes if needed. The child’s feedback should be part of this process.

Observation, assessment, and reflection help staff keep the approach fresh and relevant. This prevents situations where a plan no longer meets the child’s needs.

Final Thoughts

Putting the child at the heart of their own learning has a clear and lasting impact. It builds confidence, improves engagement, and supports better emotional health. Children who feel valued and respected are more willing to take part in activities, share their views, and take responsibility for their own progress.

Every child has a voice and by listening to it, you create a more inclusive and supportive environment. The results are seen not only in better academic outcomes but in stronger life skills, independence, and a readiness to face future challenges with confidence and resilience.