Nursery World - Positive identities

Giving children choices about how they see themselves is the cornerstone of good practice Children acquire information about themselves as they grow into the roles that await them. The relationships formed with influential adults and the messages received from them are central to the formation of a positive identity.

Children acquire information about themselves as they grow into the roles that await them. The relationships formed with influential adults and the messages received from them are central to the formation of a positive identity.

For a child, identity formation is about coming to understand who they are and where they fit into the wider world. It is about whether they and their families and their wider community are valued and effective participants in today's society, or are excluded from the material and social benefits of the state. What is important for young children is whether they are encouraged to develop their interests and abilities, or are shaped by the effects of discrimination because of the limited expectations of others.

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