An exploration of children's understandings and experiences of quality early childhood education and care

These rights extend to young children in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECEC) settings. Using a Bourdieusian theoretical lens, and a research approach influenced by participatory and children’s rights based methodologies with a focus on the voice of the child, this study explored children’s understandings and experiences of quality across three different ECEC settings in North-West Ireland.

Through the use of research methods, including semi structured interviews as well as such as tablets, digital cameras, playdough and drawing, 33 children (21 girls and 12 boys) aged 2yr 11 month to 5yr 7 month shared their insights on the topic and outlined areas of importance to them. These included the positive relationships developed with friends and adults, the importance of having an influence in their setting and their desire for increased opportunities to engage with ICT and nature.