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The resources that you supply for the role-play area will depend on how often its theme or focus changes, and your staff planning will reflect this, says Jane Drake Long-term planning

Long-term planning

A role-play area is an important part of any early years provision and needs careful planning to ensure children are given the best possible opportunities for learning over a period of time. In settings with plenty of space, it may be possible to provide both a permanent home corner and role-play area, in which the focus is changed, say, every four to six weeks.

This month we look at general guidelines for the long-term planning of any role-play area. Next month's feature will focus specifically on planning for the 'home corner'.

Possible learning experiences

Role-play can offer children valuable opportunities to explore feelings and revisit or represent real-life experiences in a 'safe' environment. It also provides a context for the development of communication skills and imaginative 'story' play.

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