The Importance of Play Based Learning in the Early Years

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), play is far more than “just fun” - it is central to how young children explore, discover, communicate, and make sense of the world. Both the Department for Education and Ofsted emphasise that high‑quality play is a vital part of early learning, helping children build strong foundations for later achievement.

Research and guidance consistently show that play offers rich benefits across every area of learning. Through play, children learn to:

• follow their curiosity
• develop imagination
• practise new knowledge and skills in real contexts
• collaborate and communicate with others
• build resilience and independence
• experience joy, wonder, and success

Our Ashlings team successfully and seamlessly blend and balance purposeful teaching with high quality, child‑led and adult‑guided play.

Observing play gives our team a real insight into each child’s strengths, needs, and interests, which then supports effective planning and early identification of need.

Our commitment to playful teaching and learning being at the heart of our Early Years provision ensures that every child experiences joyful, meaningful learning every day.