Embracing uncertainty in the early years
In a recent Lab to Ed Leadership webinar, host Geetika Goyal spoke with Jayne Carter, Early Years Development Lead at Partnership for Children, about a powerful idea: uncertainty can be a valuable part of how children learn and grow.
Rather than something to avoid, uncertainty can create moments where curiosity, confidence, and resilience begin to develop. When children don’t immediately know the answer, they explore, experiment, solve problems, helping them learn more deeply about themselves and the world around them.
Children naturally encounter uncertainty every day. It might happen when a tower of blocks suddenly falls, a puzzle piece doesn’t quite fit, or a new activity feels unfamiliar. These moments can bring excitement, frustration, or even anxiety. All these reactions are normal and meaningful parts of learning. With the right support, these moments can become valuable opportunities for growth and discovery.
For example, imagine a child carefully building a tower with blocks. Just as they add another piece, the tower collapses. The instinct for many adults is to step in quickly and rebuild it for them. But pausing for a moment can make a powerful difference. When we allow children time to think, try again, and test new ideas, they begin to develop persistence, confidence, and problem-solving skills.
Adults play a crucial part in helping children understand that not knowing is safe and part of the learning process. Simple shifts in how we respond can make a big difference. For example, we can:
- pause before stepping in with a solution
- stay alongside the child and offer a calm, reassuring presence
- ask open-ended questions such as “I wonder what might happen if…”
- value effort, exploration, and even mistakes
These small actions help children feel supported while encouraging them to think, try, and learn independently.
It can also be helpful for adults to reflect on their own responses to uncertainty. Think about the last time a child asked a question you didn’t immediately answer. What happened when you paused and allowed them space to explore their own thinking?
This week, try one small change in your practice. Pause a little longer, wonder out loud, or swap an answer for a curious question. These small adjustments can make a powerful difference in helping children feel capable, supported, and confident in their own thinking.
As Jayne and Geetika remind us:
Uncertainty isn’t something to rush through. It’s where learning, confidence, and resilience quietly grow.
Partnership for Children have developed a range of free early years activities which could be useful to practice some of the ideas discussed during the podcast.
