What will I learn on this module?
In this module your focus will be the ‘voice’ of the child. You will begin with a consideration of the current status of the child’s voice in policy and practice; you will then be encouraged to consider the challenges of engagement with children and young people in the many professional contexts in which this occurs; this will then lead to an exploration of theoretical approaches to helping which can be utilised to assist with this process. The module will provide you with the opportunity to begin to debate the status of children and young people in society. You will also be introduced to helping strategies which can assist practitioners in a range of supporting occupations, to help children and young people to find their voice and make it heard.
How will I learn on this module?
You will attend a series of lectures to highlight key concepts: the perspectives of policy and theoretical models of helping. These sessions are supported via the Electronic Learning Portal (eLP) where you can review key ideas from lectures, and contribute to online discussions. You will undertake practice in developing your interpersonal skills through practice interviews and obtaining peer and tutor feedback. The online reading list will provided guidance as to key texts to support your learning. You will be provided with feedback on practice assignment writing prior to finally submitting the assignment.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Module tutors will use online resources /eLP to provide support materials. Group tutorials to support work towards assignments will be provided. You will be provided with opportunities to submit work and obtain formative feedback on your writing and skills development. Contact details for all tutors for this module are available in the module handbook and via the eLP.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will demonstrate understanding of the concept of ‘the voice of the child’ in current policy and practice.
2. You will investigate theoretical models of helping and consider their potential in eliciting the voice of the child.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will reflect upon your developing interpersonal skills and the implications for work with children and young people.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will recognise the right of children and young people to have a voice in matters relating to their own lives and the ethical implications of these rights for practice.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment: class based skills work with peer and tutor feedback
Summative assessment 1: Logbook incorporating self-reflection and peer review of developing skills. 500 words (30%)
MLO 3
Summative assignment 2: Written assignment choosing a specific theoretical approach and considering its effectiveness in eliciting the voice of the child. 1500 words (70%)
MLO 1, 2, 4
Pre-requisites?
None.
Co-requisite(s)
None.
Module abstract
This module is a starting point for your study of childhood and early years and will engage you in an exploration of a key concept in current academic thinking and policy and practice; the child’s right to have a ‘voice’ and for that voice to be listened to. Your studies will begin by considering the current status of the ‘child’s voice’ and the complex processes involved in actively listening. You will be encouraged to consider the challenges involved in meaningful engagement with children and young people. You will be introduced to some of the helping strategies which assist practitioners and researchers to work with children and young people to find their 'voice’ and make it heard.
Course info
UCAS Code W3P9
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time
Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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