ARTICLE 12 – The Right to be Heard

As part of our ongoing Children’s Rights commitment, we are continuing our journey to embed children’s rights at the heart of everything we do. 

A key focus for us this month has been the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Article 12 – the child’s right to be heard.

What is Article 12?  

Article 12 states that every child has the right to express their views, feelings, and wishes in all matters affecting them, and for those views to be taken seriously. 

What this looks like in our setting?

We have been working hard to ensure that children feel confident, respected and safe to share their thoughts and feelings.

You may have noticed some of the ways we are doing this:

– Daily conversations and check-ins where children are encouraged to talk about how they feel.

– Group discussions that allow children to share ideas and listen to others.

– Child led activities, giving children a voice in what and how they learn.

– Staff actively listening and responding, showing children that their voices matter.

Why this is important? 

When children know they are listened to it builds confidence, self-esteem and a sense of belonging. It also helps them develop important skills such as enriched communication, empathy and decision making. It also shows them that their opinions matter.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together.

Children’s Rights – Working together for change

Our 2025/2026 centre improvement plan recognised Children’s Right as a priority.

Since August we have been reflecting on which rights best represent our centre vision, values, aims and ethos. We have also considered the way we in which already support children and families within our setting and how to build on these.

The articles we feel most reflected our practice, will be the first to be introduce and explored by our children, creating opportunity to share this journey with you as our families.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) includes many important articles.

We have chosen the following 4 to begin our introduction as focus areas within centre.

• Article 24 – The Right to Be Healthy

• Article 12 – The Right To Be Heard

• Article 28 – The Right to Education

• Article 31 – The Right to Play

Over the coming months, we will be gradually introducing these rights to the children in age-appropriate and meaningful ways. We look forward to sharing updates, activities, and information with you as this journey continues.

Thank you for supporting us as we work together to ensure children’s rights at the heart of everything we do.

What are Children’s Rights?

What are Children’s Rights?

Children’s rights are the basic rights and freedoms that every child is entitled to regardless of race, religion or abilities. These rights are set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and are designed to ensure that all children are safe, healthy, listened to; able to grow, learn, and thrive.

Children’s rights help guide how adults make decisions that affect children, placing their wellbeing, voice and best interests at the heart of everything we do.

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