Encouraging Autonomy in Early Years Play
Autonomy is one of those words that can sometimes be misunderstood. A simple definition of the word ‘autonomy’ is the ability to make your own decisions and control your own actions without being controlled by someone else. As adults, making our own choices is something we do daily, without even thinking about it. But for children, especially in early years education, autonomy is something they’re still learning to navigate. And it’s up to us to help guide and encourage it through their play.
I remember all too well the whirlwind of a busy nursery day, from mealtimes to nappy changes and sleep routines… it can feel like you’re constantly watching the clock. At the beginning of my career, I really struggled to find the balance. I was learning how important it was to offer children independence, like encouraging self-serve at lunch, but the pressure of sticking to tight schedules often meant I somewhat rushed them through it. It was the same during tidy-up time or when transitioning between activities—those moments where autonomy could’ve been nurtured, but instead felt a bit hurried.
Looking back, I wish I could do parts of it all over again with the knowledge I’ve gained since. As I progressed in my role, I began to truly understand how powerful autonomy is for building confident, independent children.
In this blog, we’ll explore what autonomy in play really means, why it matters, and how you can support it in your setting—even on the busiest of days.
What is autonomy in early childhood education?
Autonomy in early years is all about letting children know that they have control over themselves and the choices they make.
From the activities they take part in, to how they play and interact with others, autonomy underpins so much of what children do. Learning how to be independent is an important life skill, and the early years are when it all begins. Supporting autonomy at this stage helps children understand how to manage themselves, take responsibility, and feel confident in their own decisions.
As children grow and become more independent, they naturally begin to explore the world around them with curiosity. They learn how to express themselves, test boundaries, and understand the link between their actions and outcomes. They also start to grasp what they can and can’t control—and that’s such an important part of their emotional and social development.
It’s around that crucial age between two and three where autonomy support can make the biggest impact. This is when children are really beginning to develop their sense of self and starting to build those all-important self-regulation skills. The way we support them during this time can shape how they see themselves and how confidently they approach the world.
5 ways to encourage autonomy in early years play
Supporting autonomy doesn’t mean stepping back completely. It’s our role as educators to be there to guide, encourage, and provide the space children need to make their own choices. Here are five simple yet effective ways to nurture autonomy during play:
1. Offer open-ended resources
Instead of giving children a set outcome or a ‘right’ way to play, provide open-ended materials—things like blocks, fabric, natural objects, or loose parts. These invite creativity and decision-making, allowing children to use their imagination and direct their own play.
2. Give them choices
Whenever possible, let children choose what they’d like to do or how they’d like to do it. Whether it’s picking which story to read, deciding which activity to try, or even choosing where to sit, offering choice helps them feel respected and in control.
3. Create a ‘yes’ environment
Design your space in a way that’s safe and child-led. If children can access what they need independently, they’re more likely to take the initiative. This reduces the need for constant adult direction and gives them confidence in their abilities.
4. Support risk-taking in play
It’s natural to want to protect children, but some level of risk in play is not only safe, it enables children to grow. Climbing, balancing, testing limits… these experiences help children learn their own boundaries and develop critical thinking.
5. Be patient and step back (when safe to do so!)
Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply pause and observe. Let children struggle a little, solve problems on their own, and find their own way through play. Of course, offer support when it’s truly needed, but try to resist jumping in too soon and impacting their play or learning experiences.
The power of play
Play has always been at the heart of early years education, but in recent years, its importance is being recognised more than ever before. While I’d never call myself an expert in play, I do love learning about how it shapes the way children grow, learn, and connect with the world around them.
As early years educators, it’s our role to create rich opportunities for children to play, not just with the resources we provide, but also with the world around them. Through this, children begin to realise they can make changes, explore meanings, and most importantly, discover possibilities. And it’s in these moments of play where autonomy often flourishes, with children learning who they are and what they’re capable of.
One brilliant resource I’d love to highlight is The Play Matters project. It’s dedicated to championing the importance of play across all aspects of a child’s life, with a strong focus on ensuring that the early years sector truly values both play itself and the child at the centre of it.
The Play Matters guide, developed and edited by leading early childhood professionals, is packed with research, insights, and practical ideas that help highlight just how powerful play can be. It’s a fantastic reminder of why play should never be underestimated—and how much of a difference we can make when we support it well.
I hope this article has offered some useful insight or sparked a bit of reflection. If you’d like to be featured in a future blog and share how you support children’s autonomy in your own setting, we’d love to hear from you! Just email us at marketing@connectchildcare.com.
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About the Author
Content Marketing Executive at Connect Childcare