Integrated working and the voice of the child

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 states that children have a right to be listened to when decisions are being taken that concern them. Giving children a voice means effective advocacy with children that is shaped by establishing the voice of the child and then creating the platform on which that voice can be amplified and heard. With this in mind, this chapter explores how we can work together to make sure children are heard from choices around play and food to curriculum design and identity formation. We ask you to reflect on your own practice and consider whether you really do give children a voice and this is embedded in your core values or just pay ‘lip service’ to this important concept. This chapter explores children’s voices and their agency within integrated working. It will discuss what is considered as the voice of the child within differing parts of the early years workforce and why it is important to capture, respect, and act upon these voices.