Why Cultural Capital Matters in Early Years Education
Cultural capital is a key concept in early years education, highlighted in the ‘Quality of Education’ section of the Ofsted Early Years Inspection Handbook. This guidance explains how early years settings are judged on how well they use the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to enhance children’s learning experiences.
According to Ofsted, cultural capital is the essential knowledge that helps children become informed and engaged citizens. It’s about giving them the skills and experiences they need for future success. Inspectors look at how effectively leaders use the curriculum to widen opportunities for all children, ensuring they get the best possible start in life.
While Ofsted uses the term cultural capital in their inspection handbook, the term itself was not created by them. It was first introduced by French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu in the 1970s. He used it to describe the social and cultural advantages some people have often linked to income. Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital includes three types:
Embodied capital: personal attributes like mannerisms, accents, language, and preferences.
Objective capital: tangible items like works of art, books, and cultural artefacts.
Institutional capital: qualifications and educational credentials.
Ofsted’s interpretation of cultural capital is more inclusive, aiming to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have opportunities to build their cultural capital through education.
Culture capital in early years education
One of the key principles of the EYFS is that “every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident, and self-assured.” When considering cultural capital, it’s important not just to think of it as something that must be ‘given’ or ‘taught.’ Instead, start by recognising and celebrating the cultures, languages, and traditions that children and their families already bring with them.
Cultural capital is about providing children with the experiences and opportunities they need to grow and succeed. It’s about preparing them for the next steps in their learning and development.
Children arrive at early years settings with a wide range of experiences in learning and play. The role of cultural capital in EYFS is to build on these early experiences, offering new opportunities for curiosity, exploration, and discovery. It’s about helping children to experience and try new things.
Cultural capital will look different for each child and setting, but it always involves providing activities that spark children’s interests and giving them opportunities to practice and develop new skills. For early years educators, this means observing children regularly to understand their needs and interests.
By promoting cultural capital from a young age, we help guide children towards making informed decisions as they grow. This foundation supports them in becoming knowledgeable, empathetic, and kind individuals.
7 examples of cultural capital in early years settings
1. Celebrating cultural festivals and traditions:
Introducing children to a variety of cultural festivals and traditions is a great way to build cultural capital. For instance, celebrating Diwali, Chinese New Year, Eid, or Christmas in the classroom can help children learn about different cultures and develop an appreciation for diversity. Activities might include storytelling, traditional crafts, music, or even food tasting related to these events.
2. Exploring different languages:
Incorporating multiple languages into the classroom environment can significantly enhance cultural capital. This could be as simple as greeting children in different languages each day, singing songs from around the world, or labelling classroom objects in various languages. Such practices help children become more aware of the linguistic diversity around them and can be especially beneficial for children who speak a language other than English at home.
3. Engaging with art and literature:
Introducing children to diverse forms of art and literature is another way to build cultural capital. Reading books from different cultures, showcasing artwork from around the world, or even arranging visits to local galleries or museums can broaden children’s horizons. Activities like drawing, painting, or crafting inspired by different cultural art styles also allow children to explore their creativity while learning about other cultures.
4. Involving families and communities:
Inviting parents and community members to share their cultural backgrounds with the class can provide rich, authentic learning experiences. For example, a parent might come in to cook a traditional dish, teach a traditional dance, or tell stories from their culture. This not only enhances cultural capital but also strengthens the connection between home and early years settings.
5. Learning through play:
Play-based learning that reflects diverse cultures and experiences is key in early years settings. Providing a range of toys, games, and dress-up clothes that represent different cultures encourages children to explore and understand the world around them. For instance, a role-play area might include traditional clothing, cooking utensils, or musical instruments from various cultures, allowing children to engage in imaginative play that reflects diverse experiences.
6. Exploring nature and the environment:
Taking children on nature walks or garden projects where they learn about plants and animals from different parts of the world can be a way to build cultural capital. Discussing how different cultures interact with nature, such as traditional farming methods or the significance of certain plants and animals in various cultures, can deepen children’s understanding of the world.
7. Using technology:
Incorporating technology, such as virtual tours of museums in other countries, video calls with children from different cultures, or exploring global maps and stories can expand children’s cultural capital. These activities help children see beyond their immediate environment and understand that they are part of a much larger, diverse world.
The Impact of cultural capital on long-term outcomes
Building cultural capital in the early years has a profound and lasting impact on a child’s educational journey and life outcomes. Research consistently shows that children exposed to a rich array of experiences and knowledge in their early years are better equipped for future academic success, social mobility, and overall wellbeing.
Studies have demonstrated that children with a strong foundation of cultural capital tend to perform better academically. Early exposure to a variety of cultural experiences—such as books, art, music, and diverse social interactions—helps develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a broader understanding of the world. These children often enter formal schooling with an expanded vocabulary, better comprehension skills, and a greater capacity for learning, setting them up for success in subjects across the curriculum.
Cultural capital also plays a significant role in promoting social mobility. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds who are provided with opportunities to build their cultural capital are more likely to overcome barriers associated with their socioeconomic status. By being exposed to new ideas, cultures, and ways of thinking, these children develop the confidence and skills needed to navigate different social settings, improving their chances of success later in life.
Beyond academic and social outcomes, cultural capital contributes to a child’s overall wellbeing. Children who are encouraged to explore different cultures, ideas, and experiences often develop a strong sense of identity and self-worth. This broadens their perspectives, making them more empathetic and open-minded individuals. Such qualities are essential for building healthy relationships, making informed decisions, and leading fulfilling lives.
Challenges and misconceptions
While the concept of cultural capital is essential in early years education, it can sometimes be misunderstood. Addressing these challenges and misconceptions is crucial to ensuring that all children benefit from a rich and diverse early learning experience.
One common misconception is that cultural capital involves imposing specific cultural norms or values on children. In reality, cultural capital is about broadening children’s experiences, not limiting them to a particular set of cultural standards. The goal is to expose children to a wide variety of cultures, traditions, and ideas, helping them to develop a well-rounded understanding of the world. This approach encourages respect for diversity and encourages children to appreciate different perspectives, rather than conforming to a single cultural viewpoint.
A significant challenge in building cultural capital in early years settings is the limitation of resources. Many early years educators may feel they lack the necessary materials, time, or funding to provide a diverse range of cultural experiences. However, building cultural capital doesn’t always require expensive resources or elaborate activities. Simple actions like incorporating stories from different cultures, using everyday objects to discuss global traditions, or inviting community members to share their experiences can be highly effective. Educators can also tap into free or low-cost resources, such as online materials, local libraries, or partnerships with cultural organisations.
Unconscious bias can also be a barrier to effectively promoting cultural capital. Educators may unintentionally prioritise certain cultures or experiences over others, limiting the diversity of the experiences offered to children. Educators need to reflect on their cultural assumptions and actively seek out a broad range of perspectives to share with the children in their care. This might involve ongoing professional development, collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, or regularly assessing the inclusivity of the curriculum and activities provided.
To conclude…
Cultural capital is a key element in early years education, essential for helping children succeed in the future. It’s about providing children with diverse experiences and knowledge that enrich their learning and development. The EYFS framework, guided by Ofsted, encourages educators to use the curriculum to enhance these opportunities for all children. For more insights, feel free to explore our blog content here.
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Content Marketing Executive at Connect Childcare