Engagement

Early play is essential for all children’s development, especially for their communication and social skills. All children have the right to play and be included with other children. Some children may need support with their position, mobility and encouragement with toys and activities. Through play, children learn about the world around them. They build relationships and make friends.

Look, listen and note

Children are learning through play when you see them:

• Finding out and exploring
• Playing with what they know
• Being willing to have a go

How children learn

All children, whatever their ability, learn through play and exploration. Encouraging a child to engage with people and objects is an important first step in learning. Through this engagement, children learn to communicate, interact with others, develop their own identity and build on their social skills.

Early play is essential for the development of communication and language skills.

By recording the child’s playing and exploring in photographs and observations in a learning journal or play diary, you will build up a picture of the child’s interests, strengths and areas for development. You will begin to see the learning and development, and you will start to see progress.

Games All Children Can Play shows how disabled and non-disabled children can play together.

The Play with a Purpose Cards are available to download.