The examples below are just some of our carefully chosen play equipment that has been found to stimulate a child’s natural curiosity, exploration, play and imagination.
Treasure baskets – developing natural curiosity, awe and wonder
Treasure basket play allows babies to investigate and explore a variety of everyday objects. These can include items such as wooden spoons, natural sponges, fabrics, stainless steel and scented items such as lavender bags. Treasure baskets are found in all of our baby and toddler rooms.
Physical play – increasing mobility and confidence
Physical play is essential for a child’s holistic development and our well designed outdoor areas give the children of all ages opportunities for whole body experiences whatever their age to experience physical play in an environment which is safe and secure and risk assessed on a regular basis.
Role play -understanding the world
Role play areas provide children with activities and opportunities that reflect their personal experiences, both past and present. Examples might include a garage or hairdressers. They are developed and extended to reflect a child’s changing interests.
Through role play children explore their developing understanding of the world such as cooking at home or posting a letter. Children have the opportunity to engage with others, developing their knowledge through play and interaction with other children and adults. It also builds self-esteem, confidence, co-operation skills and gives them the opportunity to re-enact their past experiences.
Mark-making – developing early writing skills and creativity
Mark-making activities are available to babies and children, both indoors and outdoors and might include making pictures in sand, corn flour or play dough to experimenting with paper or card and with pencils, chalk or felt pens.
Mark-making is an excellent way to develop a child’s fine motor and early writing skills. Older children are able to play games that relate to the real world and this helps to encourage these skills. For instance, they will be encouraged to write restaurant menus and shopping lists in the role play area, take the register or simply to use notebooks.
