Natalie Canning is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at The Open University, UK. Her background is in playwork and social work, supporting children to explore personal, social and emotional issues through play.

• IntroductionChapter 1 The Context of Researching Children’s Empowerment in PlayChapter 2 The Significance of Play and Empowerment in Young Children’s LivesChapter 3 The Power of PlayChapter 4 Indicators of Empowering Play BehaviourChapter 5 Exploring Children’s Participation, Voice and Ownership through PlayChapter 6 Observing Empowerment in PlayChapter 7 The Challenges of Celebrating Empowerment in PlayConclusionReferences

Natalie Canning is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at The Open University, UK. Her background is in playwork and social work, supporting children to explore personal, social and emotional issues through play.

• IntroductionChapter 1 The Context of Researching Children’s Empowerment in PlayChapter 2 The Significance of Play and Empowerment in Young Children’s LivesChapter 3 The Power of PlayChapter 4 Indicators of Empowering Play BehaviourChapter 5 Exploring Children’s Participation, Voice and Ownership through PlayChapter 6 Observing Empowerment in PlayChapter 7 The Challenges of Celebrating Empowerment in PlayConclusionReferences

Natalie Canning is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at The Open University, UK. Her background is in playwork and social work, supporting children to explore personal, social and emotional issues through play.

• IntroductionChapter 1 The Context of Researching Children’s Empowerment in PlayChapter 2 The Significance of Play and Empowerment in Young Children’s LivesChapter 3 The Power of PlayChapter 4 Indicators of Empowering Play BehaviourChapter 5 Exploring Children’s Participation, Voice and Ownership through PlayChapter 6 Observing Empowerment in PlayChapter 7 The Challenges of Celebrating Empowerment in PlayConclusionReferences