Sonia Mainstone-Cotton

Early years participation trainer & consultant

I have worked in the field of children and young peoples participation for over 10 years. I have a depth of knowledge

and experience of involving children aged 2 - 19 years in making decisions, being involved in strategic planning and

co-production of projects. I have worked with children and young people across the age groups in informing local councils on their views, contributing to local developments of parks, housing estates and new buildings. I have also worked with disabled young people in co designing and producing two travel projects and working with a photographer and designer

to produce travel guides. I have also trained and worked with children and young people in recruitment of staff.

 

‘Your delivery is fantastic - engaging, packed with theory matched by practice. The delegates were very appreciative of all that you gave to them - and I was particularly grateful for the ways in which you helped us understand more about early years and participation’.

Church of England training

 

 

Examples of participation training I have delivered

 

Listening to children

 

Involving children and young people in assessments

 

Communicating with children who have non-verbal communication

 

Involving children and young people in staff recruitment

 

Involving children and young people in planning

 

Involving children and young people in designing services and projects

 

Listening to children and young people through the CAF process

 

Involving children and young people in assessments

 

Promoting well being

 

Involving children and young people in staff recruitment

 

Hearing children and Young peoples experience of living in Poverty