How preschool children learn

The importance of play

Play underpins the EYFS. It also underpins learning and all aspects of children’s development. Through play, children develop language skills, emotions and creativity skills, and social and intellectual skills. For most children, their play is natural and spontaneous although some children may need extra help from adults.

Play takes place indoors and outdoors and it is in these different environments that children explore and discover their immediate world. It is here they practice new ideas and skills, take risks, show imagination, and solve problems on their own or with others. The role that adults have is crucial. Adults provide time, space, and appropriate resources.

These might include clothes, boxes, buckets, and old blankets that will inspire play and fire children’s imaginations. They observe play and join in when invited, watching and listening before intervening. They value play and provide safe but challenging environments that support and extend learning and development. (Early Years Matters 2018)