Working with different groups
Children and young people of different ages have very different needs.
We’ve put together some useful advice and guidance which should help you address these needs, and support children and young people as much as possible.
Working with children under five years old
Anyone with long term experience of working with children will tell you that using fun and interactive activities help keep children of this age interested.
- Using photographs can help children choose between options and making choices.
- Sticky dots or thumbs up can be used to indicate their preferences.
- Sentence completion – for example, “I like this piece of play equipment best because…” – may also work with this age group.
Working with 5- to 11-year-olds
Children need to feel comfortable with the adult they are working with.
When children are working in groups, consider what situations make them feel most comfortable: working with friends, in single-sex groups, etc.
Using interactive ways of doing things can keep work interesting:
- Try walking round an area with the children, getting them to point out (and/or mark) things that they like or don’t like.
- Get them to draw how they would like things to be.
- Many primary schools use ‘circle time’ which gives children the chance to express their views in a way that they’re already used to – like ‘pass the parcel’. Children sit in a circle and an object is passed round. Whoever is holding the object is the one whose turn it is to speak.
Working with 12- to 19-year-olds
Young people may be cynical about getting involved because of past experiences or because they feel their views won’t be taken seriously.
Below are some points to think about:
- Be honest about what can be achieved with the project.
- If possible, work with someone who already has a good relationship with the young people.
- Where’s the best place to meet young people? Think about where they already go.
- Some young people might not want to work with people younger than them.
- Not all young people’s views are the same. Think about how you can target specific groups of young people, for example, young women or homeless young people, with focus groups and discussions.
- Use lots of methods to keep people interested.
Working with disabled children and young people
Disabled children and young people don’t always need to be involved separately from other young people.
Find out about any special needs before work starts and see how all groups can work together. It may just mean thinking about access and communication.
For access, think about:
- Venue suitability
- Transport links
For communication, think about:
- Written materials like leaflets or information sheets may need to be provided in large print or Braille.
- A young person’s preferred method of communication – for example, signing or makaton.
- Using symbols packages can be a useful way of communicating with young people who do not use verbal communication.
- Pictures, photographs or video recordings may be good methods to use.
Working with young people who are not fluent in English
Speaking English is often easier to do than reading or writing in English, so think about whether written communication is right for your group. This could apply to your group if you have young refugees, or asylum-seekers who have recently arrived in the country.
Using video and audio materials can be a good way of involving young people who aren’t fluent in English. Consider using specially trained interpreters.
Working with young people from different ethnic backgrounds
Be aware of the power relationships and cultural traditions within the communities you are working with.
Specific steps might need to be taken to involve young people from different backgrounds, such as running events aimed at attracting a particular group.
Try making links with organisations that provide services to the black and ethnic minority communities.
Make use of their experience and knowledge of working within those communities.
Make sure that your group work doesn’t conflict with particular religious or cultural festivals.