The article argues for the participation and involvement of students in developing learning spaces within higher education. In early childhood education there is a strong emphasis upon rights, democracy and planning learning through listening to young children. Taking inspiration from this, the study explores the use of participatory approaches in developing an Early Childhood Resource and Research room within a higher education institution. The article draws from the principles and practices of participatory research, where participants are considered as researchers, and from the distributed leadership approach that encourages shared decision-making. Applications of these principles are analysed by adopting various participatory methods with an aim to create a democratic, social and politically "safe space" for the students to work in. The example of methods used in this article can serve as a basis for adopting alternative approaches to traditional leadership and management, highlighting the use of more democratic practices in creating learning environments.