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Introducing Caring for Children and Young People

Section 2: How positive environments support
the development of young children

Within this section, you will learn about what makes a positive environment for young
children, including:

• The features of a positive environment that support the development of
young children

• How the features of a positive environment can support the development of
young children

• How to create a positive environment which can support the development
of young children.

The features of a positive environment that support the
development of young children

Q. What is a positive environment?
A. Positive environment – is a place or area in which children can learn and
develop. A positive environment is safe, stimulating and interesting for them.

Key Fact

The environment – refers to the place or area where children spend
time. This could be a building such as their home or a nursery. It can
also be places they visit, such as a park.

Young children need a positive environment which helps them to grow and learn. This
environment needs to be safe and provide interesting and new experiences which
are suitable for the age and stage of development of each child (see Figures 1 and 2,
Appendix, for typical stages of development).
A positive environment is carefully planned to support young children’s development.
Adults working with children need to think about what children can already do and
what will interest them. Adults are also an important feature of a positive environment.
Parents and carers will know what their child can do and how to involve them in lots of
different activities. If you are caring for children, you will need to get to know them so
that you can create a positive environment which helps them to learn and develop.

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