Nursery World - Nine to Twelve

This month Jennie Lindon looks at the effects of puberty and secondary school on older children, who need increasing autonomy and stimulation Middle childhood is noticeable by its absence in childcare magazines and books. The message is almost that children between five and 13 do not change much, or face problems for which they would appreciate help. Of course, children have many hours absorbed by school but their broad development does not revolve only around education.

Middle childhood is noticeable by its absence in childcare magazines and books. The message is almost that children between five and 13 do not change much, or face problems for which they would appreciate help. Of course, children have many hours absorbed by school but their broad development does not revolve only around education.

As they move from middle childhood towards being teenagers, children want to be treated increasingly more like young people.

* Older children do not want to be defined solely through their role as a school pupil. After-school clubs and holiday schemes are far more welcoming when practitioners make the experience differ significantly from school.

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