Building independence in young children is one of the most powerful things we can do as early years practitioners. Independence doesn't ‘happen’ overnight. It’s a skill we nurture carefully through the experiences we provide and the behaviours we model every day.
When children are given the tools, time, and trust to do things for themselves, they grow in confidence, developing their resilience, and problem-solving skills - all vital foundations for lifelong learning and success. These experiences support not just academic achievement, but also social, emotional, and physical development.
Encouraging independence from an early age helps children feel capable and valued. It shows them that their ideas, choices, and efforts matter. Over time, independent children develop stronger self-esteem, better concentration, and an increased willingness to try new things, even when they are challenging! Importantly, for children with SEND, independence may look different – and that’s okay. Flexibility, choice, and responsive support are essential to ensure all children feel empowered to develop independence in a way that suits them best.
Why independence matters
Independence isn't just about ‘doing things alone.’ It’s about developing critical skills like decision-making, persistence, and self-regulation. These are essential for life-long learning and for life beyond school. When we support independence thoughtfully, we help children become confident, capable learners who believe in their own ability to make a difference.
How we can support independence
Create an enabling environment
Children thrive when they can access what they need without having to ask an adult every time. Use low-level shelves, clear labels with pictures and words, and include open-ended resources. Make sure there are clear spaces and routines for children to return items when they have finished. Including a photo of ‘what tidy looks like’ helps children to be able to put things back independently. When children can choose and use resources freely, they develop responsibility for, and pride in, their environment.
Be patient
Developing true independence takes time – and that often means slower routines and lots of modelling and gentle reminding. It can be tempting to jump in and ‘rescue’ children when they struggle, but stepping back gives them the chance to work things out. Offer encouragement and acknowledge their effort, even if the task isn’t completed perfectly. Remember, the process is more important than the outcome.
Model and narrate
Children learn so much by watching adults. Show them how to do tasks step-by-step, describing your actions as you go (“First, I fix the bottom of the zip in place then zip the coat up at the bottom... then I pull it up to the top."). This supports understanding and language development at the same time. Regular modelling helps children feel more confident when they try it for themselves.
Offer real choices
Giving meaningful choices shows children that their voice matters. This could be as simple as choosing between two activities, selecting a snack, or deciding which book to read. Offering choices also supports communication skills and emotional regulation, helping children feel respected and empowered.
Celebrate effort, not just achievement
Praising effort encourages a growth mindset, where children learn that perseverance can lead to success. Instead of focusing only on end results ("You did it!"), recognise the process ("You kept trying even when it was tricky – that's amazing!"). This builds resilience and helps children develop a positive attitude towards challenges.
Practical ideas to build independence
Self-serve snack station
Set up a simple snack area where children can pour their own drinks and choose from a small selection of healthy snacks. Use child-sized jugs, cups, and tongs to support fine motor skill development and hygiene. Visual prompts like "one scoop" or "two pieces", can help guide choices without constant adult direction, giving children ownership of the routine. *Remember, whilst eating, children must be within sight and hearing of a member of staff.
Dressing challenges
Outdoor play offers a brilliant opportunity for independence. Teach children simple techniques like the ‘Montessori coat flip’ method for putting on coats (Tag to the toes, hands in the holes and flip). You could even introduce fun dressing challenges or songs to encourage children to put on their shoes, wellies, and waterproofs by themselves. Celebrate small successes to build their confidence.
Tidy up time roles
Assign groups of children areas of learning for tidy up time such as the book area, or home corner to develop responsibility for looking after shared spaces. Have photographs to show children what tidy ‘looks like’ that they can copy and be successful in their role. Rotating these jobs regularly gives children a chance to help in different areas of the classroom as well as reinforcing the idea that we all help take care of our learning environment.
Choice boards
Create simple boards with photos, symbols, or words showing activity choices. Children can select from activities like painting, construction, or quiet reading, supporting decision-making and independence. Choice boards are especially powerful for children with SEND or emerging language skills, offering a clear and accessible way to communicate preferences.
Visual prompts and routines
Use visual timetables, first/then boards, and simple checklists to help children anticipate what’s coming next and manage transitions independently. For example, a visual 'getting ready for home' list (coat, bag, book) can prompt children to organise themselves without needing reminders from an adult.
Problem-solving opportunities
Rather than stepping in immediately when a child faces a challenge (like a puzzle piece that won’t fit or a toy out of reach), encourage problem-solving. Use prompts like "What could you try next?" or "Who could help you?" This builds resilience and critical thinking, showing children that things being challenging sometimes is a normal part of learning.
Final thoughts
Supporting independence isn't about expecting children to do everything on their own — it’s about creating a safe, encouraging environment where they can have a go, make choices, and feel proud of their efforts.
When we offer trust, time, and patience, we help children build the confidence to try, the resilience to keep going, and the belief that they are capable learners. Independence grows one small ‘moment’ at a time; tying a shoe, pouring a drink, solving a problem, and each success, no matter how small, lays a foundation for future learning.
As early years practitioners, we have a powerful role to play. By standing alongside children, guiding when needed, stepping back when possible, we show them they are trusted, valued, and ready to take on the world.
What’s one small opportunity you could offer today to nurture independence in your setting?
Shardi Vaziri
