At Lote Tree Nursery, we’ve seen how children learn through play every day. Play isn’t just fun; it’s a central part of early childhood development and helps young minds grow in confident, capable ways.
In this guide, we’ll explain what play-based learning means, how it supports your child’s development, and share examples of learning through play activities you can enjoy together. For more about our approach, you can visit our Curriculum page to see how we plan daily learning experiences.
What Does It Mean When Children Learn Through Play?
Children learn through play when they explore, make choices, interact with others, and practise skills in a safe, engaging environment. In the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which our team follows carefully, play is recognised as a key way children develop communication, social understanding, and physical skills. You can read more about the EYFS and how it informs our nursery practice on our EYFS page.
Play can be very simple, putting shapes together, pretending to be in a shop, or exploring outdoors, and each of these examples has something valuable to offer. Our About Us section explains more about how we create an environment where play supports early learning in practice.
The Different Types of Play
- Free play: Child-led activities that encourage creativity and independence. (FAQs page has parent-friendly tips.)
- Structured play: Adult-guided activities designed to build specific skills.
- Sensory and imaginative play: Activities that involve senses, movement, or pretend scenarios, helping children make sense of feelings and ideas. Learn more in our Gallery, which showcases how children engage in imaginative play.
The Benefits of Play-Based Learning for Children
The benefits of play-based learning are widely recognised in early years education. Play supports children in many ways, from developing language to strengthening physical and emotional skills.
During play, children interact with others, experiment, and practise new ideas. Through these moments, they build confidence, learn to communicate, and begin to understand how the world around them works, all while enjoying themselves.
How Play Supports Social Skills
When children play with others, they learn how to take turns, share, work together, and solve small disagreements. These are essential social skills that help them build friendships and feel secure in group situations. Parents can find guidance on supporting social skills on our Policy Statements page.
How Play Encourages Creativity and Problem Solving
Activities like role-play, building with blocks, or inventing games encourage children to think creatively and solve problems. Rather than being told what to do next, children practise making decisions and finding solutions themselves. Our School Transitions page explains how these skills prepare children for the next stage of learning.
Physical and Emotional Development Through Play
Play helps children develop both large and small muscles, climbing supports balance, and threading beads supports precision. Play also helps children learn about emotions like excitement, frustration, and teamwork, building emotional regulation.
How Lote Tree Nursery Incorporates Play in Daily Learning
At the nursery, our play-based learning approach gives children time and space to explore their interests with support from trained staff. A day includes free play alongside guided activities where adults introduce new vocabulary, gently extend thinking, or provide materials that invite exploration. Our approach is explained in more detail on our About Lote Tree Staff page.
A Typical Day of Play-Based Learning at the Nursery
- Morning creative activities such as painting or music play.
- Outdoor exploration for balance, coordination, and nature awareness.
- Small group tasks to practise counting, storytelling, and collaboration. Learn more about daily routines on our Starting Nursery page.
Examples of Play Activities That Boost Learning at Home
You don’t need special tools to enjoy play and early childhood development at home. Everyday items can spark learning and curiosity.
Indoor Play Ideas
Storytelling with toys, building puzzles, or creating roleplay scenarios naturally support language, social interaction, and problem-solving. For more ideas, parents can visit our Blogs section.
Outdoor Play Ideas
Outdoor play might involve exploring gardens, collecting leaves, or creating obstacle courses to encourage movement and coordination. Our Event Calendar sometimes highlights community play events you can join.
Comparing Play-Based Learning vs Traditional Learning Approaches (Optional)
While traditional early learning often focuses on structured lessons, play-based methods allow children to learn naturally through exploration, interaction, and curiosity. Evidence shows that children practising skills in playful contexts gain confidence, problem-solving ability, and social competence. Parents interested in this approach can read our Eligibility criteria to see how children can join our programmes.
Conclusion
Children learn through play in ways that are natural, meaningful, and deeply connected to how their brains develop. From language and social skills to creativity and physical coordination, play helps children grow with confidence. Observing, encouraging, and making room for curiosity will support your child as they explore and develop at their own pace.
For parents curious about starting their child at Lote Tree Nursery, more information is available on the Application Form page, or you can Contact Us directly for guidance
FAQs
How can my child learn through play at nursery?
Your child learns by exploring activities that interest them, interacting with others, and practising everyday skills. Staff gently guide play to support curiosity while helping children build confidence and understanding naturally.
What are the benefits of play-based learning for my child?
Play-based learning helps develop language, social skills, creativity, and physical confidence. It also supports problem-solving and emotional growth, giving children a strong foundation for future learning.
Can structured play be as effective as free play?
Yes, structured play combines child-led exploration with adult guidance to support learning goals. It allows children to enjoy play while developing specific skills in a balanced and engaging way.
How much daily play do children need?
Children benefit from regular play throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors. Consistent play opportunities help them stay active, explore ideas, and develop important social and physical skills.
How does Lote Tree Nursery encourage learning through play?
The nursery provides a safe and stimulating environment where children can explore, create, and interact freely. Activities are designed to support curiosity, independence, and a love for learning naturally.