Building confident learners through Awe and Wonder

The phrase “learning through play” is often used in early years education, but for many parents it can feel unclear or even worrying. It is not unusual to wonder whether children are learning enough if they are “just playing,” or how play prepares them for school and beyond.

In reality, learning through play is the foundation of high-quality early years practice. It is purposeful, carefully supported, and rooted in how young children naturally learn and develop.

Play Is How Young Children Learn

In the early years, children learn best through hands-on experiences. Play allows them to explore, experiment, and make sense of the world around them. Through play, children develop essential skills including communication, problem-solving, emotional understanding, and physical coordination.

When children are engaged in play they have chosen or feel interested in, learning is meaningful. They are more motivated, more focused, and more likely to retain what they have discovered.

Play Is Not Random or Unstructured

Learning through play does not mean leaving children to occupy themselves without support. High-quality play is carefully planned and thoughtfully supported by skilled early years practitioners.

Adults observe children closely, understand their interests and development, and introduce resources, questions, and experiences that extend learning naturally. This might be through joining a role-play scenario, modelling language, encouraging turn-taking, or providing materials that challenge children to think in new ways.

This balance between child-led play and adult guidance is central to effective early years education.

How Play Supports Key Areas of Development

Play supports every area of a child’s development in ways that feel natural and enjoyable.

Through imaginative play, children develop language, social skills, and emotional understanding. Construction play supports problem-solving, early mathematical thinking, and perseverance. Physical play builds coordination, strength, and confidence, while creative activities encourage self-expression and fine motor skills.

Even simple experiences, such as sharing a story, building with blocks, or exploring outdoors, provide rich learning opportunities when supported thoughtfully.

How We Support Learning Through Play at Redbrick

At Redbrick, learning through play underpins everything we do. Our environments, routines, and interactions are carefully designed to support children’s natural curiosity and love of learning.

Our practitioners take time to observe children closely, building a strong understanding of their interests, strengths, and next steps in learning. This allows us to plan experiences that are meaningful and engaging, while supporting each child’s individual development.

We provide well-resourced, stimulating environments that encourage exploration, independence, and choice. Children are supported to lead their own play, with adults stepping in at the right moments to extend learning through conversation, modelling, and gentle challenge.

Outdoor learning is an important part of our approach, offering children opportunities to explore, move, and learn in different ways throughout the year. We believe that rich learning happens both indoors and outdoors, and we value the benefits this brings to children’s wellbeing and development.

Preparing Children for School Without Pressure

One of the most common concerns parents have is whether learning through play adequately prepares children for school. In fact, play-based learning builds the foundations children need to succeed in more formal education.

Skills such as listening, concentration, communication, independence, and resilience are all developed through play. Children who feel confident, curious, and secure in their learning are better equipped to adapt to new environments and expectations.

Rather than rushing children into formal learning too early, learning through play allows them to develop at a pace that is right for them.

Working in Partnership with Parents

Learning through play does not stop at the nursery door. Strong partnerships between parents and early years settings help ensure children feel supported and understood.

Simple play experiences at home, such as reading together, imaginative play, or exploring everyday routines, all contribute to a child’s learning. Sharing information between home and nursery helps practitioners build on children’s interests and experiences.

Building Confident, Capable Learners

Learning through play is not about filling time. It is about building confident, capable learners who enjoy discovering new things, solving problems, and expressing themselves.

When children are given the time, space, and support to learn through play, they develop a love of learning that stays with them far beyond the early years.