CHILD FRIENDLY SCHOOLS-CONCEPT AND

IMPORTANCE
SUBMITTED BY,
JESSYMOL A S
 Child friendly schools and Learning
Environment – Concept and importance
A child-friendly school and learning environment refers to an educational setting that prioritizes

the well-being, safety, and holistic development of children.

It encompasses various elements, including physical infrastructure, teaching methods,

curriculum design, and supportive policies.

The concept emphasizes creating a positive, inclusive, and engaging atmosphere where children

feel valued, respected, and motivated to learn.

 Importance of Child Friendly Schools
and Learning Environment
1.Holistic development: Focus on nurturing all aspects of a child's development, including cognitive,

emotional, social, and physical growth. They provide a well-rounded education that goes beyond academics,

encouraging creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and life skills.

2.Inclusivity and diversity: Embrace diversity and ensure that every child, regardless of their background,

abilities, or characteristics, has equal opportunities to learn and thrive. They create an inclusive environment

that celebrates differences, promotes tolerance, and discourages discrimination.

3.Safe and secure environment: Prioritize the safety and security of students. They maintain appropriate
infrastructure, implement safety protocols, and ensure proper supervision to protect children from physical
and psychological harm. This includes safeguarding measures against bullying, violence, and abuse.

4.Engaging and participatory learning: Employ innovative and child-centered teaching methods to make
learning enjoyable and meaningful. They encourage active participation, hands-on activities, group work,
and interactive discussions to foster curiosity, exploration, and independent thinking. Such approaches help
children develop a love for learning and enhance their retention and understanding of concepts.
5.Supportive relationships: Foster positive and supportive relationships among students, teachers, parents,
and the wider community. They encourage open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect.
Teachers act as mentors and facilitators, guiding students' learning journeys and providing emotional
support when needed.

6.Health and well-being: Prioritize the health and well-being of students. They promote healthy habits,
provide nutritious meals, offer access to clean water and sanitation facilities, and ensure physical activities
are integrated into the daily routine. Mental health support and counseling services may also be provided to
address emotional challenges.
7.Child participation and empowerment: Involve children in decision-making processes that affect their
education and well-being. They encourage student-led initiatives, provide platforms for expressing opinions
and ideas, and promote student councils or similar mechanisms for active participation. This fosters a sense
of ownership, empowerment, and responsibility among students.

8.Parent and community involvement: Child-friendly schools recognize the importance of engaging
parents and the local community in the educational process. They establish strong partnerships, encourage
parental involvement in school activities, and seek community support to enrich the learning experiences of
children.
Importance of Child Friendly Schools
1.Enhanced learning outcomes
Child Friendly school have a Demonstrable impact on academic
performance. When children's feel safe, supported and valued. This place to
improve the retention of knowledge and deeper understanding of subject
matter.
2.Promotes inclusivity and Equity
By actively working to reduce barriers to education, child friendly School
ensure that all children, regardless of social economic status, gender, ability or
cultural background have an equal opportunity to learn and thrives.
3.Fosters Well-being and Mental health
Prioritizing the emotional and social well beings of students contributes to
positive mental health outcomes. When children feel a sense of belonging, have
positive relationship with peers and teachers and necessary support.
4.Prepares Children for active citizenship
Child friendly schools nurture responsible and socially aware citizens. Provide
opportunity for students to engage in community service and participation.
5.Reduces drop out Rates and Truancy:
When students feel connected to there school environment relevance of their
education, they are less likely to drop out or skip classes.
6.Empowers Teachers:
Child friendly schools acknowledge the critical role of teachers in creating a conducive
learning environment. Professional development opportunities and resources for educators to
enhance their teaching practices.
7.Long term Societal impact
Investing in child friendly school has long time benefit for society.
Designing a child-friendly classroom
Safety
Comfort
Organization
Flexibility
Engagement
Technology
Sensory Considerations
Inclusivity
Classroom Management
 Child-friendly schools are designed to create a nurturing
and supportive environment that promotes the holistic
development of children.
1.Create a safe and supportive environment
Adequate safety measures and emergency procedures in place.
Well-maintained infrastructure and facilities.
 Regular maintenance of equipment and facilities to ensure student safety.
2. Inclusive and Accessible Education:
 Equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their background, abilities, or socio-economic
status.
Accessible infrastructure and facilities for students with disabilities.
 Inclusive curriculum that caters to diverse learning styles and abilities.
Provision of support services for students with special educational needs
3.Health and Well-being:
Clean and hygienic environment, including proper sanitation facilities.
 Availability of clean drinking water and healthy meals.
 Promoting physical activity and sports facilities
4. Child Participation:
 Opportunities for students to actively participate in decision-making processes within the
school.
Child rights clubs to voice their opinions and ideas.
 Encouraging student involvement in planning and organizing school activities and events
5. Positive and Supportive Relationships:
Caring and nurturing relationships between teachers, students, and staff.
 Encouraging open communication and active listening.
Establishing partnerships with parents and involving them in the school community.
6. Quality Teaching and Learning:
Competent and qualified teachers who use child-centered teaching methodologies.
 Providing a balanced and age-appropriate curriculum.
Promoting active and experiential learning opportunities.
7. Child Protection:
Implementation of child protection policies and procedures.
Training staff and teachers on child protection and safeguarding.
 Creating a safe reporting system for any concerns or incidents. Regular monitoring and
evaluation of child protection measures.
8.Emotional and Social Support:
Providing counseling services or access to mental health support.
Teaching social-emotional skills and promoting positive peer relationships.
 Creating a supportive and inclusive environment for students to express their emotions.
9.Community Engagement:
Engaging parents, guardians, and the wider community in school activities.
Collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders for student development.
 Promoting community service and social responsibility among students.
10. Continuous Improvement:
o Regular assessment and evaluation of school practices and policies.
oCollecting feedback from students, parents, and staff to identify areas for improvement.
oProfessional development opportunities for teachers and staff.
o Incorporating innovative approaches and best practices in education
11. Focusing on Student –centered learning:
This means designing instruction and activities that are relevant and engaging for
students and that allow them to learn at their own pace.

12.Promoting active learning:

This means providing students with opportunities to learn through hands on
activities and experiences.