The importance of play at Tunstall CEP
When we talk about play, people naturally think about young children, however all children and young people should have the opportunity to play every day.
No matter what age we are, play helps to develop important skills for learning, life and work.
Children and young people have a right to play. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states (in Article 31) that every child should have:
"The right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts."
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
Play is how children make sense of the world. There is also evidence to show that play in early childhood can influence the way a child's brain develops, helping to co-ordinate their mental and physical capabilities. Through play, children and young people of all ages develop problem-solving skills, imagination and creativity, language and observation skills, and memory and concentration. Children and young people use play to test their theories about the world and their place in it.
Play creates a brain that has increased flexibility and improved potential for learning later in life.
Lester & Russell, 2008
At Tunstall CEP we promote learning through exploration and play from EYFS to Year 6. The direction and scaffolding of this varies as the child progresses through the school. However, as research confirms, children benefit from opportunities to play every day. We, as a school, promote learning through play. We are fortunate to have many learning zones and spaces across the school the promote and facilitate play including a purpose built STEM room, several outdoor classrooms and extensive grounds where children can take learning through discovery and play beyond the classroom. Our Vision Statement says:
‘Learning should be broad, inclusive and inspiring….Creativity is nurtured and harnessed at every opportunity’
It is only through exploration, experimentation, play and discovery that we can facilitate the upholding of our Vision to which we are all committed.
