Under threes as active meaning makers in England

This case study reports on emerging findings from doctoral research that sought to explore practitioner perspectives on the participation rights of the youngest children (aged birth to three) in early childhood education and care settings in England, UK. Participation rights are understood in relation to Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and relate to the extent that the youngest children are recognised as able decision makers, have opportunities for their voices to be heard and are empowered as active agents in their own learning and care (see Chapter 1 for more on the theory and policy discussion). This case study demonstrates the elements of practice where voice work was most achievable.