Play in the Early Years

Play is a child’s work and must be valued as a process in its own right. Children have a right to high quality, challenging and motivating opportunities and experiences; the right to make choices and manage their learning. Children learn by leading their own play and taking part in play which is guided by adults. This course examines the 3 elements of effective practice – playing and exploring, active learning and creating and thinking critically, and gives examples of what this would look like in best practice in the classroom with a balance of child initiated and adult led activities.