Children are naturally curious about the world around them, and open-ended play with loose parts provides endless opportunities for exploration, creativity and discovery. Our planet is full of fascinating environments, from lush rainforests and sandy deserts to icy polar regions and rocky coastlines.
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Men can play an important role in children's learning, development and well-being. This may include fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, foster cares, male partners and other significant men in children’s life.
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We often praise the finished picture, model or block tower, but it’s the thinking and the changing ideas that builds real creative confidence. When we focus on the process rather than the product, children learn that ideas are worth exploring and testing and above all, valued. When engaged in creative activities with the children, keep these top tips in mind:
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Here’s a creative activity that firmly puts process before product. Children explore loose parts and recyclables with only their curiosity and freedom to change their minds and no fixed outcome expected.
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Estyn inspect quality and standards in a range of schools, settings and educational establishments including non-maintained settings that receive funding from local authorities to deliver nursery education.
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Physical activity is an essential part of children's development, helping to build strength, coordination, balance and confidence while promoting a healthy lifestyle. These simple beanbag activities encourage active play through fun, engaging experiences.
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Child-initiated play is an essential part of early years practice, allowing children to explore, make choices, develop independence and follow their own interests. Practitioners play a key role in creating an environment where children feel confident to investigate, be creative and learn through meaningful experiences. Here are our top tips for facilitating effective, child initiated play.
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Outdoor play provides children with opportunities to use their energy as they run, climb, play, and explore. To support the body's natural rhythm of activity and rest, the outdoor environment should also include quiet spaces where children can relax, recharge, reflect, and observe the natural world, enjoying peaceful moments that promote their emotional well-being and self-regulation.
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Children under the age of five are the group most at risk of accidents in the home. Our top tips will help you to promote the importance of creating a safe home environment with parents and families.
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As digital technology becomes an increasingly common part of children's lives, it is important that early years providers take a balanced and thoughtful approach to screen use.
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