Nursery World - Early years learning: Play away

Early years practitioners and Government still need to reflect on what is really meant by 'learning through play', says Jacqui Cousins

Early years practitioners and Government still need to reflect on what is really meant by 'learning through play', says Jacqui Cousins

In England, to speak of 'play' at school is still emotive and controversial, despite a broadly international recognition of young children's 'Right to Play'. It is curious why a nation that values freedom and fairness so highly should remain so rigid and puritanical in its attitudes towards play and fun in early education. Do we really believe that if young children are enjoying themselves, then they can't be learning?

The educational and developmental value of play is certainly not fully understood or implemented in our society. While we celebrate many of the early childhood initiatives of 'New Labour' and congratulate them on the emphasis they have placed on the early years, there is still much work to do to help them appreciate what is meant by child-initiated play.

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