The module consists of three blocks:
Block 1: Foundations for listening to all children
You'll consider what listening to children means by studying different theoretical and historical ideas around the significance of the child's voice and children's participation. You'll reflect on the complexity of young children's lives and explore different situations in which listening is key; for example, for children who are multi-lingual or experiencing transition and change.
Block 2: Responding to the child – how do we listen?
You’ll engage with different approaches to listening that have been used in early childhood research and practice. Throughout this block, you’ll study Alison Clark’s Mosaic approach in depth, as well as several other methods that promote children’s participation. You’ll develop your knowledge and understanding of how listening to young children can be put into practice, as well as explore some of the ethical issues that can arise.
Block 3: Listening, communicating and changing
You’ll think about how listening and children’s participation can be central to early childhood policy, practice and provision. You’ll further reflect on what a listening culture means for young children within their families, the settings they attend, and their wider community. You’ll also consider some of the complexities of commitment to children’s participation – in decision-making about their lives and experiences – that arise from issues of power and control.
This module will provide you with insights into the many aspects of listening to children and the value of a participatory approach to supporting their learning. It draws on examples and studies, both from the UK and abroad (for example, Australia, Italy and Scandinavia). By using such a wide range of resources, your perspective will broaden and your thinking will extend beyond situations that are more familiar.
You’ll compare practice that you observe with ideas that you study. You’ll reflect on the practice and experiences you see and how these might be adapted or changed.
The module will enable you to:
This module includes specific learning outcomes to support the development of professional employability skills linked to careers in education, health and social care, and includes Personal Development Planning (PDP).
If you’re a practitioner, the learning journal you compile could contribute to a portfolio of evidence of learning, together with the module activities you complete, observations of practice, and your reflections on your role and provision.
The module will enable you to develop as creative, imaginative and reflective learner – a foundation for employment, and continuing academic study, in the field of early childhood. Transferable skills are applicable to a range of professional contexts.
In Scotland, this module is not suitable for those seeking support worker, practitioner, lead practitioner or manager level registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You will have access to a module website, which includes:
You’ll also be provided with one printed book – Listening to Young Children by Alison Clark which you will use during your study.
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
E229 is a compulsory module in our:
E229 is an option module in our:
Listening to young children: critical reflections (E229) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2027.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no formal academic or experiential requirements to study this module.
However, it is essential that you have an interest in young children’s lives and learning. If you're not already working or volunteering in an early childhood setting, it would also be beneficial for you to arrange access to one. We recommend that you visit a setting weekly/fortnightly throughout the module, particularly during Blocks 2 and 3.
Note: Access to education settings will require you to meet the ‘fit person’ criteria in your country to work with children. You and your setting are responsible for ensuring you meet these requirements, not the OU.
If you’re not sure you’re ready, talk to an adviser.
Before starting this module, we strongly recommend you complete both Exploring perspectives on young children’s lives and learning (E109) and Young children’s play and creativity (E110) if studying for a degree in Early Childhood (Q89) and both Learning and teaching in the primary years (E103) and Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology (E104) if studying for a degree in Education Studies (Primary) (Q94).
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying E229 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
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We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
