Children’s participation in inclusive and democratic development in a school in Iceland – from granting to guaranteeing children’s rights

Inclusive education and school development are ongoing journeys requiring continuous collaboration within the school community. Children’s participation is a critical element in this process, as their input fosters new ideas and drives changes in thinking and practice. This article presents findings from workshops with children and school personnel, conducted in the final phase of a school-based participatory action research project in Iceland. Participants reflected on the research process, discussed changes in school life, and planned the transition from a research initiative to sustained practice. A central focus was on understanding how collaboration between children and adults has influenced the school community. Key findings suggest that increasing children’s participation can strengthen democratic and inclusive processes, shifting their roles from passive recipients to active co-designers in decision-making. The article highlights the importance of guaranteeing children’s continuous involvement in school development, moving beyond opportunities defined and granted by adults. It concludes with recommendations for fostering effective collaboration between children and adults in creating inclusive, democratic school practices.