At Mount Peter Early Learning, our children’s voices are not only heard but celebrated. Recently, our children created their own Children’s Charter of Rights, expressing what they believe every child deserves. Their words were simple yet powerful – the right to feel safe, the right to play, the right to have a voice, and the right to learn in different ways. This artwork now hangs proudly in our centre as a daily reminder that children understand fairness, respect, and belonging, often more clearly than we think.
What the Children’s Charter of Rights Means
For us, the Charter is more than a classroom project – it’s a reflection of what matters to children. By putting their thoughts into words and drawings, they’re learning that their opinions count and that they have a say in the world around them.
When a child says, “I have the right to pretend and imagine every day,” it tells us they value play as much as we do. When they remind us, “I have the right to a voice and an opinion,” it shows their growing confidence to speak up. These ideas may seem simple, but they are the foundations of respect, trust, and resilience.
The Charter helps us, as educators, to see the world from the children’s perspective. It also helps families understand how seriously we take our role in creating a safe, supportive environment where children know their voices matter.
Why Teaching Children About Their Rights Matters
Understanding their rights gives children a strong sense of belonging and confidence. When a child knows they have the right to be safe, cared for, and listened to, they feel secure enough to explore, learn, and take risks in healthy ways.
At Mount Peter, we believe rights aren’t just words on a poster – they come to life in the everyday moments. When an educator pauses to hear a child’s idea during group time, it shows them their voice is valued. When children are encouraged to make choices in their play, it teaches them independence and respect for their own decisions. When feelings are acknowledged, it tells children that their emotions matter.
These small, everyday practices help children develop resilience and empathy. They learn not only to stand up for themselves but also to recognise and respect the rights of others. For more on how children’s rights connect to early education in Australia, you can read this article from Community Early Learning Australia
Creating Trust in a Challenging Time for Childcare
We know the early learning sector has been in the spotlight recently, and not always for the right reasons. For families, it can feel worrying to hear stories that cast doubt on the safety and well-being of children. At Mount Peter, we want to be clear: safety is not negotiable. We go above and beyond to protect children through stringent vetting processes, banning personal devices on the floor, and choosing not to use agency staff so families always know who is caring for their child.
The Children’s Charter of Rights builds on this by empowering children themselves. By naming their right to feel safe, to be listened to, and to have a voice, we are teaching them that if something ever feels wrong, they can and should tell someone they trust. Together, these commitments create a culture where children feel secure and families can have confidence in our care.
How We Bring the Charter to Life at Mount Peter
The Charter isn’t something that sits on the wall gathering dust. It guides the way we work with children every day and reminds us that even the smallest voices deserve to be heard.
In practice, this looks like:
- Listening to children’s ideas during group discussions and weaving their thoughts into the activities we plan.
- Encouraging choice in play, meals, and routines so children feel confident making decisions.
- Respecting emotions involves giving a child space when they’re upset and helping them find the words to share how they feel.
- Celebrating fairness and kindness, pointing out moments when children share, take turns, or help a friend.
For us as educators, it’s about slowing down and being intentional. If a child tells us something is important to them, we make time to listen. If a child has a new idea, we create space to explore it. These are small moments, but together they build trust and confidence.
The Role of Families in Supporting Children’s Rights
The Charter doesn’t just belong to the children and educators at Mount Peter, it’s something families can embrace, too. When children see the same messages at home and at the centre, it builds consistency and helps them feel secure in knowing their rights really matter.
For parents, this can be as simple as:
- Asking your child’s opinion when making small family decisions.
- Encouraging them to talk about their feelings and validating what they share.
- Highlighting moments of kindness or fairness, and naming why they’re important.
- Reminding them often that they deserve to feel safe, respected, and listened to.
By carrying these ideas into everyday family life, children learn that their voice matters not only at childcare but also in the world around them. And when families and educators work side by side, children are better protected and more confident knowing the adults around them will keep them safe.
Our Promise to Families
At Mount Peter Early Learning, the Children’s Charter of Rights is more than words on paper. It is a daily commitment to every child who walks through our doors. We promise to listen, to protect, and to empower children so they feel safe, respected, and valued.
“As a team, we know how important trust is for families. The Charter of Rights reminds us to listen carefully, protect fiercely, and empower children to use their voices. Safety isn’t a policy, it is a promise we keep every day.” Rachael Hall, Centre Manager at Mount Peter Early Learning.
For families, this means peace of mind that your child is cared for in an environment where their well-being always comes first. For children, it means growing up with the confidence to use their voice, explore their world, and know they have the right to be heard.
If you would like to see how this comes to life in our centre, we would love to welcome you for a tour.
