The Value of Play-Based Learning in Early Years Education

The time a child spends in nursery or preschool is far more than just a stepping stone to formal schooling—it’s a pivotal stage in their development. These early years are crucial for introducing key learning skills while also supporting emotional wellbeing and social growth. By understanding what young children experience during this formative period, we can truly appreciate the importance of early years education.

At the core of our nursery’s approach is play-based learning. Rather than focusing on structured lessons and memorisation, we encourage children to learn through exploration, imagination, and interactive activities. This method still supports school readiness as it develops creativity, problem-solving, and collaborative thinking, but in a much more child-led way.

For example, when children build with blocks, they’re not just playing—they’re learning about balance, patterns, and space. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play-based learning can boost cognitive development by up to 30%. This hands-on, child-led approach taps into natural curiosity and lays a strong foundation for future learning.

Building Academic Confidence Through Play

Alongside the social and emotional benefits, early years settings also play an important role in introducing academic concepts in a developmentally appropriate way. Through activities like phonics games and story sessions, children begin to grasp early literacy, while counting songs and games help build numeracy skills in a fun and engaging manner.

Research shows that children exposed to strong early literacy practices can see significant improvements in reading ability—some studies report up to a 40% increase in attainment by the end of the academic year. These positive early experiences help build confidence and foster a genuine love of learning from the start.

By blending guided play with early academic exposure, we create a nurturing environment where children can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. It’s a powerful beginning that sets the tone for lifelong success.