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Quick practical steps

Five first steps leaders can take to help children build an independent attitude

1. Make space and opportunities for children to express themselves and their choices, then act on what they say.

2. Be flexible about boundaries – there’s a fine line between keeping children safe and keeping them confined.

3. Watch, listen and learn to match the challenge to the child: what develops one child’s confidence can shatter another’s.

4. Use the language of risk taking and model resilience by being honest about the risks and challenges you take yourself.

5. Look for ways to link the theory of risk taking with “real life” activities outside the classroom.