Participation policy nursery

1. Stronsay Junior High School
Nursery Policy
Head Teacher: Andrew King
Stronsay Junior High School, Stronsay, Orkney, KW17 2AE 01857 616 246
Giving Children a Voice: a Policy to Develop Children’s Participation
Key messages
•What do we mean by participation?
We use the term participation not simply to mean ‘taking part’ or ‘being present’ but as
having some influence over decisions and action.
•Meaningful participation is a process, not simply individual isolated participation
activities or events. This requires the development of positive child/youth-adult
relationships: rooted in mutual trust and respect and engaging in child-adult dialogue.
Where relationships are positive, then children and young people’s involvement is integral
to daily practice, rather than an after-thought or an occasional tick box exercise.
•There are many ways to involve children and young people in different types of
decisions. What is appropriate for your setting will depend on the context, age and the
abilities of the children and young people you work with. You need to find ways of
encouraging everyone to participate in ways that suit their needs.
•Listening needs to influence change. Meaningful participation is about listening to
children and young people AND ensuring their views and experiences influence change
(where this is suggested).
What are the benefits of involving children in decision making?
•Children’s rights – involving children helps fulfil their rights under Article 12 of the
UNCRC.
•Empowerment – increased confidence and belief in their ability to create change and
have some control over elements of their lives.
•Improving the service you offer; better access and use of services, service accountability,
happier children, young people and families!
•Citizenship – improved understanding of decision–making processes and awareness of
rights and responsibilities. Future active involvement in their community.
•Responsibility – increased levels of responsibility and leadership.
•Relationships – improved relationships with adults and their peers and developing group
skills.
•An improved perception of young people amongst communities, professionals and
peers.
•Gaining practical skills and knowledge; learning to debate, negotiate and communicate.
•Meeting statutory requirements: Education Scotland Act 2000

2. Stronsay Junior High School
Nursery Policy
Head Teacher: Andrew King
Stronsay Junior High School, Stronsay, Orkney, KW17 2AE 01857 616 246
Informing parents
Implementing this policy in our setting requires a change of attitude and practice and we
need to include parents in our approach. We will help parents and families understand
our ways of working with children and young people by informing them about it on our
notice board, sharing our policy and asking for comments and suggestions and explaining
our approach at parent contact sessions and during enrolment meetings.
Our School and Nursery
This means at Stronsay Junior High School that children’s view will be listened to, and
valued. Our school believes that to be truly inclusive everyone has a right to have a say.
Our school and nursery will consult the children on issues which affect them and do so in a
child friendly which is age and stage appropriate. We believe that developing personal
strengths like problem solving skills, and confidence, helps to make children more resilient
and equips them with skills for life.
In this way we are also ensuring that we are able to meet the aims of the Curriculum for
Excellence are met which are to create successful learners, confident individuals,
responsible citizens and effective contributors.
In the nursery we will do this in a number of ways:
• Contribute ideas for snacks
• Contribute ideas for topics they would like to learn about, this may be through
mind maps and floor books
• Self plan their day
• Set stepping stones targets
• Vote for new resources
• Complete their own child friendly questionnaires
• Contribute to their own Learning Logs
In school the children will:
• Contribute ideas for key questions within the topics that they are learning
• Be encouraged to ask questions about their learning
• Participate in Pupil Council, and Eco Council Committee
• Take part in whole school self-evaluation workshops
• Have a say in policy development
• Contribute to their Learning Logs
• Contribute and develop their own targets
Signed:
Date: